SOLUTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS

Liquids exist in two forms, either solutions or suspensions. But what are solutions and suspensions? Lets find out:

Solutions

All solutions are mixtures that consist of 2 parts, the solvent and solute. The solvent is a substance that the solute dissolves in and the solute is the substance that dissolves.Below is a picture of of how solutions looks like:

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Solubility of solutions

• Dilute- Contains a small amount  of solute dissolve in a large volume of solvent.
• Concentrated- Contains a large amount of solute dissolved in its solvent.
• Saturated-Contains a large amount of solute dissolved in its solvent such that no further solute can dissolve.

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Suspensions

A suspension is formed when the substance does not dissolve in the solvent or when the amount of substance present is over its solubility limit.

When we add sand to water, the sand does not dissolve in the water, and we obtain a suspension of sand in water. Here is a picture of how it looks likes when sand particles are in the water:

———————————————————————————————————————–

I have also learnt that a solution is homogeneous, light can pass through the solution, no residue will be left when the solution is filtered and nothing will leave at the bottom when the solution is left to settle. However, a suspension has properties that are totally opposite from that of a solution.