Concentration and Solubility
Learning about how much solute can dissolve in a solvent.
Core concept
A solution that has dissolved the maximum possible amount of solute at a given temperature is called saturated; if less than the maximum is dissolved, it is unsaturated. For most solids, solubility increases as temperature rises — this is why sugar dissolves faster and in greater quantity in hot tea than in cold water. However, this rule doesn't apply to all substances; the solubility of gases in liquids, for example, typically decreases as temperature increases, which is why a warm fizzy drink loses its carbonation faster than a cold one.
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• Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that dissolves in a solvent at a given temperature.
• A saturated solution holds the maximum solute possible; an unsaturated solution holds less.
• For most solids, solubility increases with temperature.
• For gases dissolved in liquids, solubility typically decreases as temperature increases.