Solute — Science definition

Defined in 2 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

Chemists split a solution into two roles: the solute is the substance being dissolved (the sugar), and the solvent is the substance doing the dissolving (the water).

Solutions & Solubility

Questions using solute

Problem 1

Which statement correctly uses solute in Mixtures, Solutions & Separation?
  1. A dissolved substance has ceased to exist.
  2. solute: The substance dissolved in a solution.
  3. Removing visible particles automatically produces safe pure water.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

solute: The substance dissolved in a solution.

The substance dissolved in a solution. After removing 3 g sand, 105 g of salt solution remains in the idealized model. After water enters the air, 5 g salt remains. The water is transferred, not destroyed. Real recovery may be incomplete; these assumptions do not show that the liquid was safe to drink.

Problem 2

A solution that contains the maximum amount of dissolved solute at a given temperature is described as…
  1. nonpolar
  2. unsaturated
  3. saturated
  4. dilute
Answer and explanation

saturated

A saturated solution holds all the solute it can at that temperature.

Problem 3

Stirring a solute and grinding it into a fine powder both make it dissolve faster, yet neither changes the maximum amount that can dissolve. Explain why.
Answer and explanation

Stirring and grinding increase the surface area where solvent meets solute, so dissolving happens at a faster rate. But the maximum that can dissolve — the solubility — depends on the temperature and the identities of the substances, not on how quickly you get there.

Problem 4

At a supplied temperature, solubility is 20.0 g solute per 100 g water. Add 30.0 g to 100 g water and allow equilibrium with excess solid. Find dissolved and undissolved masses and explain what stirring changes.
Answer and explanation

Under the stated model, 20.0 g dissolves and 10.0 g remains solid. Stirring can speed equilibration but does not change this selected equilibrium capacity at fixed conditions.

Under the stated model, 20.0 g dissolves and 10.0 g remains solid. Stirring can speed equilibration but does not change this selected equilibrium capacity at fixed conditions.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
  • Connect the result to the chemical mechanism or evidence relationship.
  • Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.

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