Science

Solubility.

Definition

Solubility is the maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. A solution is saturated when it contains the maximum dissolved solute, and any additional solute will remain undissolved.

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 Sugar dissolving easily in hot tea but less in iced tea
  • 2 Carbon dioxide being more soluble in cold water, which is why warm soda goes flat faster
  • 3 Salt (NaCl) having a solubility of about 36 g per 100 mL of water at 25°C
Key Fact

"Like dissolves like" — polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents; nonpolar in nonpolar

Studied in

1 unit use this concept.