What is a Solution?

Question 1

Define solution, and give two examples of a solution.

Answer 1

A solution is a homogenous mixture of two or more substances. Eg. Lemonade and soda water.

Question 2

In a solution, there is homogeneity at the particle level. True or False. Justify.

Answer 2

True. For example, lemonade tastes the same throughout. This shows that particles of sugar or salt are evenly distributed in the solution.

Question 3

Define alloys.

Answer 3

Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal. It cannot be separated into its components by physical methods.

Question 4

Why are alloys considered to be mixtures even though it cannot be separated into its components by physical methods?

Answer 4

An alloy is considered a mixture because it shows the properties of its constituents and can have variable composition.

Question 5

Define solvent.

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Define solute.

Answer 6

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

Question 7

State 3 examples of solutions.

Answer 7

1. Sugar in water (solid-liquid) sugar is the solute, and water is the solvent.
2. Iodine in alcohol (solid-liquid) called Tincture of Iodine, iodine is the solute, and alcohol is the solvent.
3. Aerated drinks (gas-liquid), carbon dioxide is the solute, and water is the solvent.
4. Air (gas-gas) homogenous mixture. 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen.

Question 8

List the properties of a solution.

Answer 8

1. homogenous mixture
2. particles of a solution are smaller than 1 nm
3. they do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution
4. solute particles cannot be separated from the mixture by the process of filtration
5. solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, that is, a solution is stable

Question 9

Dilute and concentrated are comparative terms. True of False.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Define saturated solution.

Answer 10

When no more solute can be dissolved in a solution at a given temperature.

Question 11

Define solubility of a solution.

Answer 11

The amount of the solute present in the saturated solution at the temperature when you can add no more solute is called its solubility.

Question 12

Define concentration of a solution.

Answer 12

The concentration of a solution is the amount (mass or volume) of a solute present in a given amount (mass or volume) of a solution.

Question 13

What are the three methods of expressing the concentration of a solution? Write the formulas.

Answer 13

Mass by Mass percentage
mass of solute
——————— x 100
mass of solution

Mass by Volume percentage
mass of solute
——————— x 100
volume of solution

Volume by Volume percentage
volume of solute
———————— x 100
volume of solution