Types of Solutions: Detailed Summary
In this section, we delve into the classification of solutions, which are homogeneous mixtures formed by combining two or more substances. Solutions can be classified broadly into three types based on the states of their components: gaseous solutions (e.g., nitrogen in oxygen), liquid solutions (e.g., ethanol in water), and solid solutions (e.g., alloy of copper and zinc). The solvent is the component present in the largest amount, while all others present are termed solutes.
This section also covers various methods to express the concentration of solutions quantitatively. Common units include mass percentage (w/w), volume percentage (v/v), mass by volume percentage (w/v), parts per million (ppm), and mole fraction (x). Each metric has specific uses across different fields, with molality and molarity being critical in chemical contexts.
Additionally, key laws of solubility such as Henry’s law, stating that gas solubility in a liquid is proportional to its partial pressure, and Raoult's law, which relates the vapor pressure of solvent in a solution to its mole fraction, are crucial insights in understanding how solutions behave under different conditions.