Q. What are the primary factors of influence solubility?
Ans.
Solubility is the extent to which a solute dissolves in a solvent. Solutions that have larger quantities of solute dissolved in solvent are called concentrated solutions. Those with a small quantity of solute dissolved in a solvent are called dilute solutions.
The following animation shows the solubilities of three different copper compounds in water. The more soluble the copper compound is in water, the deeper the shade of blue it turns the water:
The first compound, copper(II) nitrate is very soluble in water and turns the water deep blue; the second compound copper(II) acetate is only partially soluble in water and turns the water a lighter shade of blue; the third compound copper(II) hydroxide is only slightly soluble in water, and therefore turns the water a faint blue color.
If no more solute can dissolve in a solvent, the solution is said to be saturated. There are three primary factors that influence a solute's solubility in a solvent:
1. The nature of solute and solvent
2. Temperature
3. Pressure
Four factors affect the rate at which a solute dissolves in a solvent:
1. Particle size
2. Temperature
3. Concentration
4. Stirring
Chemists use a concept called the solubility product (i.e., Ksp). This concept is used to calculate the amount of a solute which can be dissolved in a solution. Ksp values can be found in solubility tables.