Solutions (Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry)

Spec point — 12.1.2 · Describe a: solvent as a substance that dissolves a solute solute as a substance that is dissolved in a solvent solution as a mixture of one or more solutes dissolved in a solvent saturated solution as a solution containing the maximum concentration of a solute dissolved in the solvent at a specified temperature residue as a substance that remains after evaporation, distillation, filtration or any similar process filtrate as a liquid or solution that has passed through a filter

Solutions

• You need to know all the following terms used when describing solutions:

Terminology about solutions

• Solvent

  • The liquid in which a solute dissolves
  • Example: The water in seawater

• Solute

  • The substance which dissolves in a liquid to form a solution
  • Example: The salt in seawater

• Solution

  • The mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent
  • Example: Seawater

• Saturated solution

  • A solution with the maximum concentration of solute dissolved in the solvent, at a given temperature
  • Example: Seawater in the Dead Sea

• Soluble

  • A substance that will dissolve
  • Example: Salt is soluble in water

• Insoluble

  • A substance that will not dissolve
  • Example: Sand is insoluble in water

• Filtrate

  • The liquid or solution that has passed through a filter
  • Example: Fresh coffee in a cup

• Residue

  • The substance that remains after evaporation, distillation, filtration or any other similar process
  • Example: Coffee grounds in filter paper