1. Overview of Dispersed Systems & Solutions

System

A bounded space containing an exact quantity of a material.

Dispersion

A system consisting of at least two phases where a dispersed phase (internal) is contained within a continuous phase (external).

Phase

A distinct, homogeneous, and mechanically separable part of a system.

True Solution

A homogeneous molecular dispersion or one-phase system consisting of a mixture of two or more components.

Solute

The component of a solution present in the lesser amount.

Solvent

The component of a solution present in the greater amount.

Molecular Dispersion

A true solution where the dissolved particle diameter is less than 1 nm.

Colloidal Dispersion

A dispersion where particle diameters range from 1 to 500 nm, such as milk or gelatin.

Coarse Dispersion

A dispersion where particle diameters exceed 500 nm, such as emulsions or suspensions.

Non-electrolytes

Solutes that do not ionize in water and do not conduct electric current, like sucrose or glycerin.

Electrolytes

Solutes that ionize in water and conduct electric current.

Protophilic Solvent

A proton-accepting solvent, such as acetone, ether, or liquid ammonia.

Protogenic Solvent

A proton-donating solvent, such as formic acid, acetic acid, or sulfuric acid.

Amphiprotic Solvent

A solvent that can act as both a proton donor and a proton acceptor, such as water or alcohols.

Aprotic Solvent

A neutral solvent that neither accepts nor donates protons, such as hydrocarbons.