Key concept in chemistry

Solubility is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture

Solute and solvent

Definition of solute

A solute is a substance that dissolves in a solvent to form a solution

Definition of solvent

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution

Saturation point

The saturation point is the point at which no more solute can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure

Temperature

Temperature significantly influences solubility by affecting the process of dissolution and following Le Chatelier's Principle

Endothermic and exothermic processes

The process of dissolution can be endothermic or exothermic, depending on whether heat is absorbed or released

Solubility curves

Solubility curves visually represent the relationship between solubility and temperature, showing that solubility generally increases with temperature for endothermic processes

Definition of solubility rules

Solubility rules are a set of guidelines used to predict the solubility of ionic compounds in water

Classification of ionic compounds

Soluble compounds

Compounds containing alkali metal ions and the ammonium ion are typically soluble in water

Slightly soluble compounds

Compounds containing carbonate or phosphate ions are generally slightly soluble in water

Insoluble compounds

Compounds containing carbonate or phosphate ions are generally insoluble in water, with some exceptions

Definition of Ksp

The solubility product constant (Ksp) is a numerical value that represents the solubility of a sparingly soluble ionic compound under equilibrium conditions

Calculation of Ksp

The Ksp is calculated from the concentrations of ions that a compound dissociates into when dissolved in water

Temperature dependency of Ksp

The Ksp is dependent on temperature and generally increases with an increase in temperature for endothermic processes