Matter as Solutions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to solutions and mixtures in chemistry.

Matter

Anything that has mass and volume, which may exist as a solid, liquid, or gas.

Mixture

A combination of two or more substances that can be separated by physical means and does not have a definite composition.

Pure Substance

Matter that has a definite composition.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture where the different components are visible and the composition is variable throughout.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture where the different components are not visible and the composition is constant throughout.

Element

A pure substance that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically combined and can be separated chemically into simpler substances.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture where at least one solute is dissolved in a solvent.

Solvent

The substance in a solution that is present in the largest quantity.

Solute

The substances that are dissolved in the solvent.

Electrolyte

Substances that dissolve in water to form solutions that conduct an electric current.

Non-electrolyte

Substances that do not conduct electric current when dissolved in water.

Acidic Solution

A solution with a pH lower than 7.

Basic Solution

A solution with a pH higher than 7.

Neutral Solution

A solution with a pH of 7.

Dissociation

The separation of ions that occurs when an ionic compound dissolves in water.

Ionization

The process by which a neutral atom or molecule is converted to an ion.

Miscibility

The ability of liquids to dissolve in other liquids.

Saturated Solution

A solution that contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute at a given temperature.

Unsaturated Solution

A solution that can still dissolve more solute at a given temperature.

Supersaturated Solution

A solution that contains more dissolved solute than its solubility at a given temperature.

Henry's Law

The solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the surface of the solution.