Learning objectives

a solution

a polar solvent

a nonpolar solvent

Solutions are a part of everyday life, from the tap water that you drink to the fluids inside your body.  The physical process of dissolving one substance in another is something that you are likely to do every day.  The flask at the right shows a blue solid dissolved in water.

This activity is concerned with solutions and the dissolving process. The focus is on understanding the nature of solutions and why some substances are soluble and others are insoluble in terms of molecules, atoms and/or ions of which they and the solvent are comprised.  On completion of the activity you should be able to
 

• use the terms solute, solvent and solution appropriately in discussion of the dissolving process
   
• classify a given solvent as polar or non-polar based on its molecular formula
   
• identify the type of substance that is most likely to dissolve in a given solvent
   
• describe the species present in a solution of a molecular or ionic substance
   
• identify whether a given aqueous solution will conduct electricity