Chapter 4: Reactions in Aqueous Solutions

A set of practice flashcards focusing on the fundamental definitions and properties of aqueous solutions, electrolytes, and non-electrolytes from Chapter 4.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.

Homogeneous

A state of uniformity where you cannot differentiate the individual components that make up a mixture.

Solute

The substance in a solution present in the smaller amount.

Solvent

The substance in a solution present in the larger amount.

Aqueous Solution

A liquid solution where a solute is dissolved specifically in water as the solvent.

Soft Drink

A liquid solution where water is the solvent and sugar and $CO_2$ are solutes.

Air

A gaseous solution where Nitrogen is the solvent and Oxygen, Argon, and Methane are solutes.

Soft Solder

A solid solution used to piece two metals together, where lead is the solvent and tin is the solute.

Electrolyte

A substance that when dissolved in water results in a solution that can conduct electricity.

Non-electrolyte

A substance that when dissolved results in a solution that does not conduct electricity.

Criteria for Conductivity

The presence of cations and anions in a solution.

Dissociation

The process where a solute breaks apart into cations and anions when dissolved in water.

Strong Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates to $100\%$ in solution.

One-headed arrow

A symbol used in chemical equations to show that a reactant transforms $100\%$ into product, signifying a strong electrolyte.

Weak Electrolyte

A substance that does not completely dissociate in solution.

Double-headed arrow

A symbol indicating a reversible reaction where products recombine to form the reactant, signifying a weak electrolyte.

Acetic Acid

A reagent cited as an example of a weak electrolyte due to its reversible reaction.

Sodium Chloride

An ionic compound that serves as a strong electrolyte by breaking apart into $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$.

Molecular Compound

A compound made of non-metals that cannot dissociate into ions and thus acts as a non-electrolyte.

Glucose

A molecular compound that dissolves as molecules rather than ions, making it a non-electrolyte.

Ethanol

A liquid example of a molecular compound that does not conduct electricity.

Precipitation Reactions

One of the three key types of reactions in aqueous solutions covered in this chapter.

Acid-base Reactions

One of the three key types of reactions in aqueous solutions involving acids and bases.

Oxidation and Reduction Reactions

A major category of reactions occurring in aqueous solutions involving the transfer of electrons.

Reversible Reaction

A reaction where products combine again to form the reactant, resulting in less than $100\%$ ion concentration.