Solution Examples in Chemistry

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Solution.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Chemistry.

Concept Recap

A homogeneous mixture formed when one or more solutes are completely dissolved in a solvent at the molecular level, resulting in a uniform composition throughout that cannot be separated by filtration.

One substance completely mixed into another—you can't see separate parts.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Solutions look uniform at any scale—the mixing is at the molecular level.

Common stuck point: The solvent is usually the larger amount; the solute is what's dissolved.

Sense of Study hint: When working with solutions, identify the solute and solvent first. First determine which component is present in the larger amount (solvent) and which is dissolved (solute). Then check if the mixture is homogeneous — if you can see separate phases, it is not a true solution. Finally, use concentration units (molarity, mass percent) to describe the amount of solute.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
Define a solution and identify its two main components. Explain what makes a solution different from other types of mixtures.

Solution

  1. 1
    A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is uniformly dissolved in another (the solvent).
  2. 2
    The solute is the substance present in smaller amount; the solvent is present in larger amount and does the dissolving.
  3. 3
    Unlike suspensions or colloids, solutions are transparent (do not scatter light), do not settle over time, and cannot be separated by filtration.

Answer

\text{Solution = solute + solvent (homogeneous, transparent, stable)}
Solutions are the most common type of homogeneous mixture. They can exist in all states: solid solutions (alloys like brass), liquid solutions (salt water), and gaseous solutions (air).

Example 2

medium
Describe the differences among unsaturated, saturated, and supersaturated solutions. How can you experimentally distinguish between them?

Example 3

medium
You dissolve 20 g of salt in 480 g of water. Find the mass percent concentration.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
A student dissolves 35 g of NaCl in 100 g of water at 25°\text{C}. The solubility of NaCl at 25°\text{C} is 36\,\text{g per 100 g water}. Is this solution saturated, unsaturated, or supersaturated?

Example 2

hard
A student prepares a solution by dissolving 80 g of \text{KNO}_3 in 100 g of water at 60°\text{C} (solubility = 106\,\text{g/100 g}), then slowly cools it to 20°\text{C} (solubility = 31\,\text{g/100 g}). How many grams of \text{KNO}_3 will crystallize out?
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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

mixture