BackSolution Chemistry: Structure, Properties, and Applications
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Solutions Are Mixtures
Definition and Properties of Solutions
Solutions are homogeneous mixtures in which one or more substances (solutes) are evenly dispersed in another substance (solvent). The physical properties of solutions help distinguish them from other types of mixtures.
Solute: The substance present in the smaller amount in a solution.
Solvent: The substance present in the larger amount in a solution.
Homogeneous mixture: A mixture with uniform composition throughout.
Components in a solution do not chemically react with each other; for example, sugar dissolved in water remains chemically unchanged.
Solutions are typically transparent; light can pass through them.
Solutes do not undissolve or separate upon standing.
Concentration of a solution can be changed by adding more solute or solvent.
Types of Solutes and Solvents
Solutions can be formed from combinations of solids, liquids, or gases.
Gaseous solutions: Air is a homogeneous mixture of gases, with nitrogen as the solvent and other gases as solutes.
Solid solutions: Brass is a solution of solids, with zinc as the solute and copper as the solvent.
Aqueous solutions: Solutions in which water is the solvent.
Key Properties of Solutions
Particles are evenly distributed.
Components do not chemically react with each other.
Aqueous solutions are transparent.
Components do not separate upon standing.
Concentration can be changed.
Examples and Applications
Coffee with sugar: Sugar is the solute, water is the solvent. The solution is transparent and homogeneous.
Air: Nitrogen is the solvent, oxygen and other gases are solutes.
Brass: Copper is the solvent, zinc is the solute.
Classification Table: Types of Solutions
Type | Solvent | Solute | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Gas Solution | Gas | Gas | Air (N2 + O2) |
Solid Solution | Solid | Solid | Brass (Cu + Zn) |
Aqueous Solution | Liquid (Water) | Solid, Liquid, or Gas | Sugar in water, CO2 in water |
Additional info:
Colloids and suspensions are other types of mixtures, but their particles are larger and may separate upon standing, unlike solutions.
