Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to solutions, colloids, solubility, and colligative properties in chemistry.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture that exists as a single phase, containing individual atoms, ions, or small molecules.

Colloid

A heterogeneous mixture that consists of two or more phases, typically containing macromolecules or aggregations of small molecules.

Solubility

The maximum amount of solute that dissolves in a fixed quantity of solvent at a given temperature.

Like Dissolves Like

A principle stating that substances with similar types of intermolecular forces are soluble in each other.

Endothermic Process

A reaction or process that absorbs heat from the surroundings.

Exothermic Process

A reaction or process that releases heat to the surroundings.

Solvation

The process in which solvent molecules surround and interact with solute particles.

Saturated Solution

A solution that contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute in the presence of undissolved solute.

Supersaturated Solution

A solution that contains more than the equilibrium concentration of solute and is unstable.

Henry's Law

The principle stating that the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid.

Colligative Properties

Properties that depend on the number of solute particles in a solution, not their identity.

Vapor Pressure Lowering

The reduction in vapor pressure when a nonvolatile solute is added to a solvent.

Boiling Point Elevation

The increase in boiling point of a solvent when a solute is dissolved in it.

Freezing Point Depression

The decrease in freezing point of a solvent when a solute is dissolved in it.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent into a more concentrated solution.

Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in water.

Nonelectrolyte

A substance that does not dissociate into ions in solution.