As you decrease the temperature of a solution, which of the following is most likely to occur?

• A. The solubility of gases decreases.
• B. The solution becomes more concentrated automatically.
• C. The solubility of most solids decreases.
• D. The rate of evaporation increases.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between temperature and solubility for different types of solutes: gases and solids.
2. Recall that for gases dissolved in liquids, solubility typically decreases as temperature increases, meaning solubility increases as temperature decreases.
3. For most solid solutes, solubility decreases as temperature decreases, meaning solids are less soluble in colder solutions.
4. Recognize that the solution becoming more concentrated automatically is not a direct effect of temperature change but depends on solute amount and solvent volume.
5. Note that the rate of evaporation generally decreases as temperature decreases, because evaporation depends on kinetic energy of molecules.