Solubility of a Solid in a Liquid
Factors influencing the maximum amount of solid that can dissolve in a given liquid at a specific temperature.
What is Solubility of a Solid in a Liquid?
The maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure to form a saturated solution.
Key points
- Define solubility of a solid in a liquid.
- Identify the factors affecting solubility.
- Explain the 'like dissolves like' rule.
- Describe the effect of temperature on solubility.
Common exam trap
Confusing solubility with dissolution rate (how fast it dissolves).
Definitions
- Term
Solubility
- Meaning
The maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure to form a saturated solution.
- Term
Saturated Solution
- Meaning
A solution in which no more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure.
- Term
Unsaturated Solution
- Meaning
A solution in which more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure.
- Term
Supersaturated Solution
- Meaning
A solution containing more dissolved solute than it would normally hold at a given temperature and pressure; unstable.
Learning objectives
Define solubility of a solid in a liquid.
Identify the factors affecting solubility.
Explain the 'like dissolves like' rule.
Describe the effect of temperature on solubility.
State the effect of pressure on solubility.
Prerequisites
Understanding of solutions and homogeneous mixtures.
Basic knowledge of intermolecular forces (polar vs. nonpolar).
Concept of temperature and its effect on matter.
Common mistakes
Confusing solubility with dissolution rate (how fast it dissolves).
Assuming solubility always increases with temperature.
Overestimating the effect of pressure on solid-liquid solubility.
Keywords
Solubility
Solid in Liquid
Solute
Solvent
Solution
Like Dissolves Like
Temperature Effect
Pressure Effect
Saturated Solution
Practice preview
According to the 'like dissolves like' rule, which of the following pairs is most likely to be soluble in each other?…
easy
The solubility of a solid solute in a liquid solvent is generally represented by a solubility curve. If the solubility curve shows a steep upward trend, what does this indicate about the dissolution process?…
medium
Consider the dissolution of potassium nitrate (KNO3) in water. Its solubility increases significantly with temperature. This implies that the dissolution process is:…
medium