Solubility of solute
Solubility is defined as the number of grams of a solute that dissolves in 100g of a solvent to form a saturated solution at a given temperature and pressure. Solubility is the maximum weight of a solute that can be dissolved in 100g of a solvent at a given temperature and pressure.
| Solubility of solute = | Weight of solute in saturated solution | X 100 |
| Weight of solvent in saturated solution |
1) Temperature - Solubility of solute increases with temperature
- Easier to dissolve sugar in hot milk than in cold milk
2) Size of solute particles-smaller the size greater the solubility of solute
- Easier to dissolve powdered sugar in coffee then granules of sugar
3) Mechanical Stirring-solubility of solute increases with mechanical stirring.
- Sugar dissolves faster with faster stirring with a spoon or stirrer.
Note: There are exceptions to the above rules, some solutes do exhibit an anomalous behaviour
Let's look at an example of solubility of a solute (solid)
The solubility of solute in gaseous form is influenced by two important parameters.
1) Temperature - Increase in temperature decreases solubility of solute in gaseous form
- On heating, gases dissolved in the milk escape making the milk bubble and boil over.
2) Pressure - Increase in pressure increases the solubility of gas
- Aerated soda bottles contain carbon dioxide gas under pressure.
Better understand the intricacies involved in the solubility of solute concept here
