Molarity, Molality, and Verity

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances in the same or different physical phases.

Binary solution

A solution of two components.

Solute

The substance present in the smallest quantity, said to be dissolved. It can be a gas, a liquid, or a solid.

Solvent

The substance present in the largest quantity. It can be a liquid or a solid.

Alloy

A mixture of chemical elements where the primary component is a metal.

Miscible liquids

Liquids that can easily dissolve in one another.

Immiscible liquids

Liquids that are not soluble in each other.

Dissolution

A physical change in which the original solute can be recovered by evaporating the solvent. If it cannot be recovered, the substance reacted instead.

Saturated solution

A solution containing the maximum amount of solute that will dissolve in a given solvent at a specific temperature. No more solute can be dissolved.

Unsaturated solution

A solution containing less solute than the solvent has the capacity to dissolve at a specific temperature.

Supersaturated solution

A solution containing more solute than is present in a saturated solution at a specific temperature. It is unstable and can crystallize when a seed crystal is added or the flask is scratched.

Nonelectrolyte

A solution through which no current flows.

Weak electrolyte

A solution through which some current flows.

Strong electrolyte

A solution through which extensive current flows.

Solubility

The maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a given amount of solvent (generally 100 g) at a given temperature.

Nature of the solute, nature of the solvent, temperature of the solution, and pressure (in the case of gases).

Factors affecting solubility

Molarity (M)

The number of moles of solute present in 1 L (dm^3) of solution. M = moles of solute / volume of solution (L). It varies with temperature.

Molar solution

A solution with a molarity of 1 M.

Deci-molar solution

A solution with a molarity of 0.1 M.

Semi-molar solution

A solution with a molarity of 0.5 M.

Molality (m)

The number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. It is independent of temperature.

Mass percent

Percent of solute in a specific mass of solution, used for a solid dissolved in water.

Solubility

Amount of solute that dissolves in a given quantity of a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure to produce a saturated solution