Types of Mixtures and Solutions in Chemistry

Solvent

The substance of greater quantity in a homogeneous mixture. Example: The water portion of the Sodium Chloride in water solution.

Solubility

A measure of the amount of solute that will dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specified temperature. Usually measured in units of moles/liter, (M), or g/100mL.

Concentrated

A relatively large amount of solute to solvent.

Dilute

A relatively small amount of solute to solvent.

Saturated solution

A solution in which a maximum quantity of solute has been dissolved.

Precipitate

An insoluble product that may form when a chemical reaction occurs in solution. (ie. The solid that causes a cloudy appearance and eventually settles to the bottom of the container).

Homogeneous mixture

Mixtures in which the components are uniformly distributed. (Typically these are clear and may be coloured or colourless).

Heterogeneous mixture

Mixtures in which the components are segregated when at rest. (Typically these are cloudy before they are at rest and have two distinct phases when they are at rest. They may be coloured or colourless).

Solution

A combination of two or more substances that exist as a homogeneous mixture. Example: Sodium Chloride in water.

Solute

The substance of lesser quantity in a homogeneous mixture. Example: The Sodium Chloride portion of the Sodium Chloride in water solution.

Miscible

Unlimited ability to mix in solution.

Immiscible

Limited ability to mix in solution, or say 'substances that are insoluble in each other'.

Soluble

Any solution whose concentration is greater than or equal to 0.100 M.

Insoluble

Any solution at equilibrium whose concentration is less than 0.100 M.