What is a Solution? Check its Types, Components and Properties

Solutions are a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. A solution has a solvent and a solute as its components.

Example: Sugar in water and salt in water solutions, soda water.

Types of Mixtures

1. Homogeneous Solutions: Solutions that have uniform composition and properties throughout the solution are called Homogeneous Solutions or Pure Solution or Solution. Example: Sugar Syrup.
2. Heterogeneous Solutions: Solutions that have non-uniform composition and properties throughout the solution are Heterogeneous Solutions or Mixtures. Example: Sand in water.

In this article, we will understand what is a Solution, types of solutions, Components of Solution, Concentration of Solution, Properties of Solution, Solvent, Solute, Solubility, factors affecting Solubility.

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Components of a Solution

The component of the solution that dissolves the other component in it is called the solvent. The component of the solution that is dissolved in the solvent is called the solute.

Solvent

• The component of the solution that is present in the largest quantity, is known as a solvent.
• The solvent which has a greater dielectric constant is a better solvent.
• Water is known as a Universal solvent.
• Solvents are used in making perfumes, drugs, in the processing of various foodstuffs and in beverages.
• They are also used in dry cleaning.

Solute

• The solute particles cannot be separated from the mixture by the process of filtration.
• The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, that is, a solution is stable.

Properties of a Solution

• A solution is a homogeneous mixture.
• The particles of a solution are smaller than 1 nm (10-9 metres) in diameter. So, they cannot be seen with naked eyes.
• Because of their very small particle size, they do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution. So, the path of light is not visible in a solution.
• The solute particles cannot be separated from the mixture by the process of filtration.
• The solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, that is, a solution is stable.

Types of Solution

Depending on the amount of solvent, the solution is of the following types 

1. Unsaturated Solution: A solution in which more solute can be dissolved without increasing temperature, is called an unsaturated solution.
2. Saturated Solution: A solution in which no solute can be dissolved further at a given temperature, is called a saturated solution.
3. Supersaturated Solution: When a saturated solution is heated, its capacity to hold more solute increases and it is called a supersaturated solution. It contains an excess amount of dissolved solute it which is beyond the capacity of the solution at a given temperature.

Depending on the solubility, the solution is of the following types

1. Miscible Solution: Substances that form a single homogeneous phase in all proportions are said to be completely miscible in one another. Their solution is called Miscible Solution.   Example: Ethanol and Water
2. Immiscible Solution: Substances that are essentially insoluble in each other in all proportions are said to be an Immiscible Solution.   Example: Oil and Water

The solution is of two types, depending on whether the solvent is water or not.

1. Aqueous Solution: When a solute is dissolved in water the solution is called an aqueous solution, like salt in water.
2. Non-Aqueous Solution: When a solute is dissolved in a solvent other than water, it is called a non-aqueous solution, like iodine in carbon tetrachloride.

Concentration of a Solution

Diluted Solution: A solution with a low concentration is called a diluted solution.

Concentrated Solution: Solutions with relatively high concentrations are called concentrated solutions.

Solubility

The maximum amount of a solute that can be dissolved in a given amount of solvent at a given temperature and pressure, is called solubility at that temperature.

Solubility of the solute in a solvent = (w × 100)/W

Where at a given temperature w gram of solute is dissolved in W gram of solvent.

Factors Affecting Solubility of a Solute in a Solvent

• Nature of solute and Solvent:

Polar solute like sodium chloride dissolves in a polar solvent like water. Non-Polar solutes like cholesterol, bromine etc dissolve in a non-polar solvent like Benzene, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).

• Effect of Temperature:

Usually, the solubility of a solute increases with an increase in the temperature of the solution, but the solubility of some substances such as calcium nitrate, calcium oxide decreases with an increase in temperature.

• Effect of Pressure:

Pressure has no effect on the solubility of solids in liquid. But solubility of gases in liquids increases with the increase in pressure.

• Size of Substance: 

Solubility decreases as the molecular mass of a substance increases.

So, this is all about the Solutions: Components, Types, Properties. Get some practice of the same on our free Testbook App. Download Now!