Properties of Solutions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the properties of solutions, including definitions and important concepts.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more pure substances.

Solute

The minor component in a solution that is dissolved uniformly throughout the solvent.

Solvent

The major component in a solution that dissolves the solute.

Saturated solution

A solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at a given temperature.

Unsaturated solution

A solution that can still dissolve more solute at a given temperature.

Supersaturated solution

A solution that contains more solute than can normally occur at a given temperature.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure.

Henry’s Law

Describes the solubility of a gas in a liquid as directly proportional to the pressure of the gas above the liquid.

Colligative Properties

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

Osmosis

The net migration of solvent from an area of higher solvent concentration to an area of lower solvent concentration.

Van't Hoff factor

A factor that accounts for the degree of ionization or association of solute particles in solution.

Endothermic process

A process that absorbs energy, resulting in an overall positive change in enthalpy.

Exothermic process

A process that releases energy, resulting in an overall negative change in enthalpy.

Molarity (M)

The number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

Molality (m)

The number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

Parts per million (ppm)

A way to express concentration, representing the mass of solute per million parts of solution.

Parts per billion (ppb)

A way to express concentration, representing the mass of solute per billion parts of solution.

Mass percent

The mass of solute divided by the total mass of the solution, multiplied by 100.

Tyndall Effect

The scattering of light by colloidal particles in a suspension.

Hydrophilic

Molecules or parts of molecules that are attracted to water.

Hydrophobic

Molecules or parts of molecules that repel water.