Solutions and Suspensions

Saturated solution

A saturated solution is formed when the maximum mass of solute has dissolved in a fixed volume of solvent at a given temperature

Solubility curve

A graph that shows the maximum mass of solute that can dissolve in 100g of solvent at a given temperature to form a saturated solution

Solution

A substance in which the solute is fully dissolved in the solvent

Suspension

A mixture in which the insoluble particles is suspended in a gas or liquid

What are the properties of a suspension?

• Heterogeneous

• When filtered, residue is left on the filter paper

  • When left to stand, the insoluble solids separate

Heterogeneous

Colour, density, physical and chemical properties are not the same throughout the mixture

What are the properties of a solution?

• Homogeneous

• No residue left after filtration

• No separation after being left to stand

Homogeneous

Colour, density, physical and chemical properties are the same throughout the mixture

Solute

• Substance which is being dissolved in the solvent

  • Present in smaller proportion

Solvent

• Substance which dissolves the solute

  • Present in larger proportion

Factors affecting solubility

• Nature of solute

• Nature of solvent

• Temperature of solvent

Factors affecting rate of dissolving

• temperature of solvent

• size of solute particles

• rate of stirring

Rate of dissolving

The mass of solute that dissolves in a fixed mass/volume of solvent given a fixed amount of time

Solubility

Maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in 100g of solvent at a given temperature