Solutions

A solution is defined as a homogenous mixture of two more substances which may be

solid, liquid, gas or a combination of these.

Solute

It is defined as the minor component of a solution or the substances which may be taken
in a small amount.

Solvent

It is defined as the major component of a solution or the substance which has the
capability to disperse another substance (Solute) in a solution.

Type of Solutions

1. Saturated Solution

A Saturated solution is a solution which is in equilibrium with respect to a given

dissolved substance.

2. Unsaturated Solution

An unsaturated solution is a solution that is not in equilibrium with respect to a given

dissolved substance.

3. Supersaturated Solution

It is a solution that contains more dissolved solutes than that is normally possible at
that temperature.

4. Standard Solution

It is defined as a solution whose concentration is known with certainty

Concentrations

The concentration of a solution of a solution is defined as the quantity of the dissolved

substance (Solute) per unit quantity of solvent in a solution.
Concentrations are expressed in the following way:

1. Percentage Solution
2. Molar Solution
3. Molal Solution
4. Normal Solution

1. Percentage Solution

There are three ways of expressing:

• Weight per unit weight (W/W)
• Weight per unit volume (W/V)
• Volume per unit volume (V/V)

Weight per unit Weight

In this expression the amount of both solute and solvent is taken in grams and the total
amount of the solution is 100gms.Therefore it is the weight of the solute dissolved in
100g of a Solution. e.g: 20% NaCl means 20g dissolved in 80g of solvent.

Weight per unit Volume

In this expression the amount of solute is taken in grams while the solvent is taken in ml.
Therefore it is the weight of solute dissolved in 100ml of a solution. e.g. 20g of sugar in
100ml of solution.

Volume per unit Volume

Both the solute and solvent are taken in ml to make 100ml of a solution. e.g. 20% volume
per unit volume means 20ml of solute in 80ml of solvent.
2. Molar Solution

These are expressed in molarity.

Molarity:

It is defined as the number of moles of solute dissolved per liter of solution.

Moles of Solute
Molarity = ————————
Liter of Solute

Weight in grams in Solute 1

Molarity = ——————————— × ———————
Molecular weight of Solute Liter of Solution

3. Molal Solution

It is defined as the number of moles of solute per 1 kg of Solvent.

Moles of Solute
Molality = ————————
Kg. of Solvent

Weight in grams of Solute 1

Molality = ————————————— × ——————
Molecular Weight of Solute Kg of Solvent
4. Normality

It is defined as the number of grams equivalent of a substance per liter of a solvent.

No. of g. Eq
N = ———————
Liter of Solvent

Equivalent weight taken in gram is called g.Eq

Molecular Weight
Equivalent mass = —————————
Valency