3.5.7

Dissolving

Test yourself

Dissolving

If a solid is able to mix into a liquid, we say it has dissolved and made a solution. Not all solids can dissolve.

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Solutions

  • To explain dissolving clearly, you must understand and be able to use the following words:
    • Insoluble: will not dissolve.
    • Soluble: will dissolve.
    • Solute: this is the substance that dissolves.
    • Solvent: this is the substance that dissolves the solute.
    • Solution: when the solute has dissolved into the solvent we have a solution.
    • Saturated solution: A solution to which you can add no more solute.
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Cup of coffee example

  • Making a cup of coffee will need a soluble solute (coffee granules) that will dissolve in a solvent (water) to make a solution (cup of coffee).
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Dissolving

  • As the solute dissolves, it will break up and spread out as it collides with the solvent.
  • The solvent will then surround the solute.
  • If you increase the temperature by heating a solvent and giving it more energy, it can dissolve more solute.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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