The Nature of Solutions

Objectives:

1. Describe the properties of a solution.

2. Identify the different types of solutions.

Key Terms:

solution solute solvent soluble insoluble alloy miscible immiscible aqueous solution

Notes: (15-1)

Solutions are homogenous (looks the same) mixtures of substances in a single state. Solutions can exist in any phase and have certain properties..

The particles in a solution are very small - atoms, ions, molecules
Particles in a solution are evenly distributed - one part of the solution looks has the same molecular make-up as another
Solutions do not separate under normal conditions

Common definitions:

	solute - substance dissolved in a solution
	solvent - substance that does the dissolving
	soluble - substance that is capable of dissolving
	insoluble - substance that does not dissolve
	alloy - solution consisting of 2 or more metals
	miscible - liquids that can mix in any amount
	immiscible - substances that cannot mix with a liquid in any proportions
	aqueous - any solution containing water

Types of Solutions

Solutions can come in any phase (solid, liquid, gas). Each solution carries its own set of properties.

Solid solution

	alloys
	had to have been in the liquid phase at some point in time

Gaseous solution

	all mixtures of gases are solutions
	each gas spread out uniformly in the space provided
	gases diffuse through each other easily due to the space between the molecules
	the properties of gaseous solutions are proportional to the percentages of the gases involved

Liquid solutions

most solution exist in this form

the liquid is most commonly the solvent

the solute can be liquid, gas or solid

liquid solvents can usually only hold a certain amount of a solute

solutions containing water are said to be aqueous

	water is the universal solvent
	if ions are dissolved in the water the solution becomes an electrolyte