General Science: Solutions and Homogeneous Mixtures

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, components, states of matter, distinguishing characteristics, and applications of solutions, colloids, and suspensions.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture in which one or more substances (solutes) are completely dissolved in another substance (solvent), appearing as a single, uniform pure substance.

Solute

The substance that gets dissolved in a solution; it is present in smaller amounts and breaks down to atomic or molecular levels so that it disappears into the solvent.

Solvent

The substance that does the dissolving in a solution; it is present in larger amounts and forms the body of the solution.

Universal Solvent

A designation given to water because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

True Solution Characteristics

The five essential properties required for a mixture to be classified as a true solution: homogeneous, extremely small particles (molecules/ions), no Tyndall effect, stable (particles do not settle), and non-filterable using ordinary filter paper.

Colloid

A mixture containing medium-sized particles that appears uniform, does not settle, scatters light (positive Tyndall effect), and is difficult to filter (e.g., milk, mayonnaise, fog).

Suspension

A heterogeneous mixture with large particles that settle over time, strongly scatters light, and can be easily separated with ordinary filter paper (e.g., muddy water, flour in water).

Tyndall Effect

The scattering of light beams caused by suspended particles present in a mixture.

Flashlight Test

A practical test to identify mixtures: if light passing through a liquid produces a visible, glowing beam, it is a colloid or suspension; if no beam is visible, it is a true solution.

Solid Solution

A solution existing in the solid phase, exemplified by brass, in which copper serves as the solvent and zinc serves as the solute.

Gas Solution

A solution existing in the gaseous phase, exemplified by air, in which nitrogen acts as the solvent and oxygen along with other gases act as solutes.

Brass

A solid solution composed of copper as the solvent and zinc as the solute.

Air

A gaseous solution where nitrogen functions as the solvent, while oxygen and other gases function as the solutes.

Seawater (Philippine Sea)

A natural liquid solution consisting of water as the solvent and dissolved minerals like $\text{NaCl}$, $\text{Mg}$, $\text{K}$, $\text{Ca}$, sulfates, and carbonates as solutes.

Salinity Control

The management of dissolved salt levels in seawater necessary for the survival of coral reefs, fishponds, seaweed farms, and marine life.

Tuba (Coconut Wine)

A traditional fermented drink across Visayas and Mindanao produced when yeast ferments sugar in fresh coconut sap; coconut sap liquid serves as the solvent while alcohol and dissolved minerals serve as solutes.