Solutions and Solubility: Key Terms and Definitions

Saturated Solution

Contains the maximum amount of solute for a given quantity of solvent at a constant temperature and pressure.

Solubility

Is the amount of solute that dissolves in a given quantity of a solvent at a specified temperature and pressure to produce a saturated solution.

Unsaturated Solution

A solution that contains less solute than a saturated solution at a given temperature and pressure.

Supersaturated Solution

Contains more solute than it can theoretically hold at a given temperature.

Miscible

Forming a homogeneous mixture when added together.

Immiscible

Liquids that are insoluble in one another.

Henry's Law

States that at a given temperature, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of gas above the liquid.

Concentration

Is a measure of the amount of solute that is dissolved in a given quantity of solvent.

Dilute Solution

A solution that contains a relatively small amount of solute.

Concentrated Solution

Solution that contains a large amount of solute.

Molarity

Is the number of moles of solute dissolved in one liter of solution.

Colligative Property

Is a property of solutions that depends only upon the number of solute particles, not upon their identity.

Freezing-Point Depression

The difference in temperature between the freezing point of a solution and the freezing point of the pure solvent.

Boiling-Point Elevation

The difference in temperature the boiling point of a solution and the boiling point of the pure solvent.

Molality

Is the number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 kilogram of solvent.

Mole Fraction

The ratio of the moles of that solute to the total number of moles of solvent and solute.