BackSolutions: Composition, Types, and Properties
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Solutions
Definition and Components
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. The major component is called the solvent, and the minor component is called the solute.
Solvent: The substance present in the greatest amount; it dissolves the solute.
Solute: The substance present in a lesser amount; it is dissolved by the solvent.
Example: In seawater, water is the solvent and salt (mainly NaCl) is the solute.
Solutions form in part because of intermolecular forces between particles.
Key Point: The type and strength of intermolecular forces (such as ion-dipole, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, and London dispersion forces) influence solubility and the properties of solutions.
Example: In seawater, ion-dipole forces exist between water molecules and dissolved ions (Na+, Cl-).
Types of Solutions by Phase
Solutions can be formed from combinations of solids, liquids, or gases. The phase of the solvent determines the classification of the solution (e.g., "liquid solution").
Solvent Phase | Example |
|---|---|
Gas | Air (mainly oxygen and nitrogen) |
Liquid | Club soda (CO2 and water) |
Liquid | Vodka (ethanol and water) |
Liquid | Seawater (salt and water) |
Solid | Brass (copper and zinc) and other alloys |
Gas solutions: Air is a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).
Liquid solutions: Most common in chemistry labs and biological systems.
Solid solutions: Alloys such as brass (copper and zinc) are examples.
Additional info: The solubility and properties of solutions depend on the nature of the solute and solvent, their relative amounts, and the temperature and pressure of the system.
