Mixtures and Solutions

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to mixtures and solutions.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Pure Substance

Matter with both definite and constant composition and distinct chemical properties.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken into simpler substances by chemical means.

Compound

A substance made up of atoms of different elements chemically bonded together in fixed ratios.

Mixture

Material made up of 2 or more substances that can be separated by physical means.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture where different substances can easily be seen due to uneven mixing (e.g., orange juice or fruit salad).

Immiscible

Liquids that do not mix, such as oil and vinegar salad dressing.

Colloid

A mixture that does not settle, but particles are unevenly mixed; it scatters light via the Tyndall effect.

Tyndall Effect

The scattering of a beam of light as it shines through a colloid.

Suspension

Contains a liquid and particles that visibly separate out over time, such as Italian salad dressing or orange juice with pulp.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture in which the substances are evenly mixed throughout.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture where different substances cannot be seen, even with a microscope (e.g., salt water or Kool-aid).

Solute

The substance being dissolved, such as salt or Kool-aid powder.

Solvent

The substance doing the dissolving, such as water.

Miscible

Two or more liquids that will mix, such as rubbing alcohol or gasoline.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals, such as a penny or brass.

Factors that increase the Rate of Dissolving

The rate increases with agitation, higher temperature, and increased surface area.

Filtration

Separating substances based on size.

Distillation

Separating substances based on boiling point.

Chromatography

Separating substances by movement through a substance.

Crystallization

Evaporating a liquid to leave behind dissolved solids.

Solubility

The maximum amount of solute that will dissolve in a specific amount of solvent at a certain temperature.

Saturated Solution

A solution that has dissolved all the solute possible.

Unsaturated Solution

A solution that can still dissolve more solute.

Supersaturated Solution

A solution that has dissolved more solute than possible at a given temperature.

Concentrated vs. Dilute

A concentrated solution has a large amount of solute dissolved; a dilute solution has a small amount.

Freezing Point Depression

Particles interfere with the organization of a solid, so it must get even colder to freeze (e.g., road salt or antifreeze).

Boiling Point Elevation

Particles interfere with evaporation, so the solution must get hotter to boil (e.g., salt water).