Solubility

I. VIDEO ON SOLUBILITY

A. Like dissolves like

B. What does it mean to dissolve?

II. NOTES ON SOLUBILITY

A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the components are uniformly mingled. As shown in the chart below, not all solutions are liquids. Solutions can be a solid or gaseous form as well. The substance present in the largest amount is called the solvent, and the other substance or substances are called solutes.

For solutes to dissolve in a solvent, it needs to have the same polarity or non-polarity as the solvent. For example, oil, which is very non-polar, cannot dissolve in water which is very polar. In other words, "like dissolves like." It is observed that a given solvent usually dissolves solutes that have polarities similar to its own.