chevron icon chevron icon chevron icon

Solutions And Suspensions

In this article, the following are the objectives that will be discussed.

  • Understand that solutions and suspensions are mixtures. 
  • Distinguish between solute, solvent and solution.
  • State the factors affecting solubility.
  • State the factors affecting the rate of dissolving.

Types of Mixtures

The two types of mixtures are Solutions and Suspensions.          

An example of a solution is vinegar and an example of a suspension is oil salad dressing.

Solutions

Liquor pours in wine glass

Image Credits: unsplash - Kevin Kelly

What are solutions?

A solution is a homogeneous mixture, where the particles are evenly distributed. Hence, a solution has a uniform appearance and composition throughout.

A solution is made up of a solute and a solvent.

A solute is a substance that dissolves in a solvent (e.g. salt).

A solvent is a substance that dissolves the solute (e.g. water).

Properties of Solutions

  1. The solutes in solutions are very small particles.
  2. Solutions are clear and transparent.
  3. The solute particles in a solution do not settle down to the bottom of the beaker when left undisturbed.
  4. No residue is left after filtering a solution.

Suspensions

Orange juice in a glass

Image Credits: unsplash - Mateusz Feliksik

What are suspensions?

A suspension is a mixture in which insoluble substances are suspended in a liquid or gas. It is a heterogeneous mixture, where the particles are not evenly distributed. Hence, a suspension does not have a uniform appearance and composition.

Properties of Suspensions

  1. The solutes of suspensions are large and insoluble particles.
  2. Suspensions are opaque.
  3. The solute particles in a suspension settle down after some time when left undisturbed.
  4. The residue is left on the filter paper after filtering a suspension.

Solubility

Solubility is the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent.

Factors affecting Solubility:

  • Nature of solvent
  • Nature of solute
  • Temperature

Rate of Dissolving

The rate of dissolving is the amount of solute that dissolves in a fixed amount of solvent, given a fixed amount of time.

Factors affecting the Rate of Dissolving:

  • Size of solute particles
  • Rate of stirring
  • Temperature

Revision Questions

Here are some questions for us to look into, based on the objectives of this article.

Question 1:

Which of the following explains how suspensions are formed?

  1. Compounds that are chemically combined
  2. Elements that are chemically combined
  3. Substances that dissolve in a liquid
  4. Substances that do not dissolve in a liquid 

Solution:

(D) Substances that do not dissolve in a liquid 

Explanation:

A suspension is a mixture in which insoluble substances are suspended in a liquid or gas.

 

Question 2:

Which of the following explains the rate of dissolving of a solute?

  1. How much a solute dissolves in a fixed volume of solvent
  2. How much a solute dissolves in any volume of solvent
  3. How fast a solute dissolves in a fixed volume of solvent
  4. How fast a solute dissolves in any volume of solvent

Solution: 

(C) How fast a solute dissolves in a fixed volume of solvent

Explanation:

The rate of dissolving is the amount of solute that dissolves in a fixed amount of solvent, given a fixed amount of time. 

 

Question 3:

Which of the following word equations is correct?

  1. solute + solute → solution
  2. solution + solvent → solute
  3. solute + solution → solvent
  4. solvent + solute → solution

Solution:

(D) solvent + solute → solution

Explanation:

A solution is where the solute dissolves in a solvent.

 

Question 4:

Which of the following affects the solubility of a solute?

  1. Nature of solute
  2. Rate of stirring
  3. Temperature of solvent

Choose the correct option
 

  1. I and II only
  2. I and III only
  3. II and III only
  4. All of the above

Solution: 

(B) I and III only

Explanation:

Solubility is the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent.

The factors that affect the solubility of a solute are:

  1. nature of solute;
  2. nature of solvent; and
  3. temperature.
Continue Learning
Model Of Cells - The Basic Unit Of Life Solutions And Suspensions
Model Of Matter - Atoms And Molecules Exploring The Diversity Of Matter By Its Chemical Composition
Exploring Diversity Of Matter By Its Physical Properties Exploring Diversity Of Matter Using Separation Techniques
Model of Matter - The Particulate Nature Of Matter Ray Model Of Light
Human Digestive System

 

Resources - Academic Topics
icon expand icon collapse Primary
icon expand icon collapse Secondary
icon expand icon collapse
Book a free product demo
Suitable for primary & secondary
select dropdown icon
Our Education Consultants will get in touch with you to offer your child a complimentary Strength Analysis.
Book a free product demo
Suitable for primary & secondary
icon close
Default Wrong Input
Get instant access to
our educational content
Start practising and learning.
No Error
arrow down arrow down
No Error
*By submitting your phone number, we have
your permission to contact you regarding
Geniebook. See our Privacy Policy.
Success
Let’s get learning!
Download our educational
resources now.
icon close
Error
Error
Oops! Something went wrong.
Let’s refresh the page!
Claim your free demo today!
Geniebook CTA Illustration Geniebook CTA Illustration
Turn your child's weaknesses into strengths
Geniebook CTA Illustration Geniebook CTA Illustration
close icon
close icon
Turn your child's weaknesses into strengths
Trusted by over 220,000 students.
 
Arrow Down Arrow Down
 
Error
Oops! Something went wrong.
Let’s refresh the page!
Error
Oops! Something went wrong.
Let’s refresh the page!
We got your request!
A consultant will be contacting you in the next few days to schedule a demo!
*By submitting your phone number, we have your permission to contact you regarding Geniebook. See our Privacy Policy.