Solubility
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.1.7
Solutions and Solubility
When one substance dissolves in another a solution is formed. The substance that is dissolving is called the solute. The liquid the solute dissolves in is called the solvent.
Example - salt dissolving in water
- The salt is the solute and the water is the solvent.
- A salt (or saline) solution is formed. If more and more solute is added to a solvent eventually the solution will become saturated.
- This means that no more solute can dissolve.
Mass of solute in g per 100g
- The mass of solute in g per 100g of solvent is a common way of displaying solubility.
- It lets us compare different solutes and solvents. The greater the mass of a solute that can be dissolved per 100g of solvent, the more soluble it is.
Test yourself on Solubility
Which of these are true for when salt dissolves in water?
What units do we often use to show solubility?