Exploring the distinctions between solutions and mixtures in chemistry, this overview highlights how solutions are homogeneous mixtures with uniform distribution of solute in solvent, including water as a universal solvent. It delves into the types of solutions—dilute, concentrated, unsaturated, saturated, and supersaturated—and their preparation methods. The text also contrasts the properties of solutions with those of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures, and defines pure substances in relation to these categories.
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Solutions are homogeneous mixtures where the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent
Aqueous Solutions
Aqueous solutions are solutions where water is the solvent and are important in many chemical reactions
Dilute and Concentrated Solutions
Dilute solutions have a low concentration of solute, while concentrated solutions have a high concentration
Solubility is the extent to which a solute can dissolve in a solvent and varies with temperature for most substances
Mixtures can be either homogeneous or heterogeneous and have varying compositions throughout
Homogeneous Mixtures
Homogeneous mixtures, including solutions, have uniform composition throughout
Heterogeneous Mixtures
Heterogeneous mixtures have components that are not uniformly distributed and can be physically separated
Mixtures can be separated by physical means such as filtration or centrifugation
Concentration is the amount of solute present in a given amount of solution and is quantified by molarity
Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a solution by adding more solvent
Dilution calculations are based on the principle that the initial concentration and volume of a solution is equal to the final concentration and volume