Understanding Solutions

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 What is a Solution?

A solution is a uniform mixture formed when one substance completely dissolves in another. In a solution, the dissolved substance (solute) is evenly distributed throughout the dissolving medium (solvent), creating a homogeneous mixture.

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Key Characteristics:

  • Uniform composition throughout
  • Components cannot be seen separately
  • No settling of particles occurs
  • Transparent or translucent appearance

🔹 Components of a Solution

Solute: The substance that gets dissolved (usually present in smaller amount)

Solvent: The substance that does the dissolving (usually present in larger amount)

Examples:

  • Salt water: Salt (solute) + Water (solvent)
  • Sugar syrup: Sugar (solute) + Water (solvent)
  • Air: Oxygen, CO₂, other gases (solutes) + Nitrogen (solvent)
  • Brass: Zinc (solute) + Copper (solvent)

🔹 Types of Solutions

Based on States of Matter:

  1. Solid in Liquid: Salt in water, sugar in water
  2. Liquid in Liquid: Alcohol in water, vinegar in water
  3. Gas in Liquid: Oxygen in water, CO₂ in soft drinks
  4. Gas in Gas: Air (mixture of gases)
  5. Solid in Solid: Alloys like brass, bronze
  6. Liquid in Solid: Mercury in dental amalgam

🔹 Solution vs Mixture

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