4.1.1 Properties of Solutions

Question 1

Properties of Solutions

Answer 1

• A solution is composed of a solvent and a solute.
• Solutions are transparent because the solute particles in them are so small that they do not scatter light.
• Solutes that separate into ions in a solution conduct electricity and are electrolytes.

Question 2

solutions

Answer 2

• A solution is composed of a solvent and a solute.
• The solvent is the major component of a solution. The solute is the component in the minority.
• Examples of solutions include alcoholic beverages (with water as the solvent and alcohol as the solute, or with alcohol as the solvent and water as the solute) and carbonated drinks (with water as the solvent and carbon dioxide gasas the solute).
• Solutions are transparent because the particles in them are so small that they do not scatter light.
• For example, sugar seems to disappear when dissolved in water. This is because the individual sugar molecules are small and spread out, and therefore do not scatter light.
• Milk, however, has large particles that scatter light. Milk is a suspension, not a solution. A suspension is a mixture which has particles large enough to scatter light, but not sufficiently large that gravity pulls them downward.
• Solutes that separate into ions in a solution conduct electricity and are electrolytes.
• For example, table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) can complete a circuit when dissolved in water. This is because the sodium ions and chloride ions allow electricity to be carried through the solution.
• Molecules such as sugar, however, do not yield charged particles when dissolved in water. Therefore, sugar solutions do not conduct electricity.

Question 3

How can the benzene in this mixture be classified in a solution where 23 g of benzene are dissolved in 82 g of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )?

Answer 3

as a solute

Question 4

Which of these is not an example of a solution?

Answer 4

the atoms carbon and oxygen in carbon dioxide

Question 5

Which of these is the characteristic of a solution?

Answer 5

• A solution is composed of at least two substances.
• A solution is homogeneous.
• A liquid solution is transparent.

Question 6

An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is placed in an electric circuit. A light bulb connected to the circuit is weakly illuminated, showing that a weak current is passing through it. How can the conductivity of the solution be increased?

Answer 6

by adding calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) to the solution

Question 7

Which of these is likely to be the best conductor of electricity?

Answer 7

a sample of ocean water

Question 8

20.0 mL of acetone are mixed with 2.0 mL of ethanol. Both chemicals are liquids and miscible with each other. Which is the solvent in this solution?

Answer 8

acetone

Question 9

The headlights of your car produce a visible beam of light when you drive on a foggy day. This phenomenon occurs because the fog is _________.

Answer 9

a suspension

Question 10

Which diagram best represents sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolved in water?

Answer 10

Two sodium ions and two chloride ions, each separated from each other. Each ion surrounded by water molecules.

Question 11

Which of these is an example of a solution?

Answer 11

air

Question 12

What is the easiest way to determine that a suspension rather than a solution is formed when a liquid and a solid are mixed?

Answer 12

the mixture scatters light