Solute Chemistry Example 2

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Example 2

medium
In carbonated water, CO2\text{CO}_2 gas is dissolved in water. Identify the solute and solvent, and explain what happens when the bottle is opened.

Solution

  1. 1
    Solute: CO2\text{CO}_2 (gas dissolved in liquid). Solvent: H2O\text{H}_2\text{O}.
  2. 2
    The CO2\text{CO}_2 is dissolved under pressure (Henry's Law: gas solubility increases with pressure).
  3. 3
    When the bottle is opened, pressure decreases, reducing CO2\text{CO}_2 solubility. The excess gas escapes as bubbles.

Answer

Solute: CO2, Solvent: H2O\text{Solute: CO}_2\text{, Solvent: H}_2\text{O}
Solutes can be any state of matter. Gas solubility in liquids depends on pressure (Henry's Law) and temperature — gases are more soluble at higher pressure and lower temperature.

About Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solution, typically present in a smaller amount than the solvent.

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More Solute Examples

Example 1 easy

In a solution of sugar dissolved in water, identify the solute and explain its role.

Example 3 easy

In a saline solution (salt water), what is the solute?

Example 4 hard

At [formula], the maximum solubility of [formula] in water is [formula] per [formula]. If a student

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