Chemistry Solutions and Mixtures

Flashcards covering key concepts related to solutions and mixtures in chemistry.

What is a suspension in chemistry?

A mixture in which solute particles settle out because of the large particle size.

What is a saturated solution?

A solution that holds the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature.

What is an electrolyte?

A substance that conducts a current when aqueous or molten.

What is a supersaturated solution?

A solution that holds more than the theoretical maximum amount of solute.

What is an unsaturated solution?

A solution that holds less than the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature.

What is the Tyndall effect?

The scattering of light by particles in a colloid.

What does it mean for a substance to be soluble?

Able to be dissolved in a solvent.

What is a solvent?

The dissolving substance in a solution.

What is solution equilibrium?

A state in which a solid is both being dissolved and precipitating at the same rate.

What is the difference between the solvent and the solute in a solution? How do you know which one is which?

The solute is dissolved into the solvent. The solvent is usually present in the larger quantity.

Which type of substance will probably dissolve in a nonpolar substance? What rule explains this?

Nonpolar solutes dissolve in nonpolar solvents, according to “like dissolves like”

Why is water called the “universal solvent?” What sort of substances does it dissolve?

Water dissolves anything polar because of its ability to dissolve so many solutes, its called “universal”

How do you increase the rate of dissolution of a solid in a liquid (three ways)?

Add heat, agitate (stir), crush it (decrease particle size to increase surface area)

How do you increase the solubility of a gas in a liquid?

Decrease the temperature, increase the pressure

How can you tell if a solution is saturated unsaturated or supersaturated? What does each look like and what test do you run to tell them apart?

A saturated solution has solid at the bottom. Both unsaturated and supersaturated do not have a solid. For these add a solute crystal. If it dissolves it was unsaturated if the whole thing crystallizes it was supersaturated.

Give an example of two soluble liquids and two insoluble liquids

Soluble: Water and alcohol (both polar)

Insoluble: Water and oil, (polar and nonpolar)