Types of Solutions: Chapter Three

Types of Solutions

• A suspension consists of solid particles in liquid and can be seen by the naked eye.
• A colloidal solution consists of solid particles in liquid, but the particles are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Separating Constituents

• The constituents of a colloidal solution can be separated by filtration or centrifugation.
• The constituents of a real solution can be separated by freezing, where the solute gradually disappears when added to the solvent with continuous stirring, resulting in a homogeneous mixture.
• The process of separating the constituents of a real solution by freezing is called fractional crystallization.

Solution Properties

• A solution contains solid in solid, known as an alloy.
• A homogeneous mixture is formed when the color of the liquid becomes dense and the mixture becomes homogeneous.
• The ability of a solvent to contain solute at a certain temperature, resulting in a saturated solution, is known as solubility.

Phase Separation

• When water and ether are mixed together, two layers are formed, a process known as immiscibility.
• A solution that consists of two layers, with the second layer being formed by adding more of one of the components to the mixture resulting in a homogeneous phase, is known as a heterogeneous solution.

Separation Methods

• Phenol can be dissolved with water using the process of distillation.
• Salts can be separated from seawater to obtain pure water using the process of desalination.
• The process of separating the solute from a real solution by evaporation is known as crystallization.

Solution Characteristics

• A real solution is homogeneous when the concentration of solute is uniform throughout the solution.
• In a supersaturated solution, the concentration of solute continuously increases as the solution is gradually frozen.
• The constituents of a real solution remain mixed and cannot be separated by filtration or precipitation.
• In a colloidal solution, the particles are too small to be separated by filtration or precipitation, and attempts to do so will cause them to scatter.