1. Components of a Solution [Image of solute solvent solution diagram]

• Solute: The substance that is dissolved (e.g., Salt, Sugar). It is usually present in a smaller quantity.
• Solvent: The substance in which the solute is dissolved (e.g., Water). It is usually present in a larger quantity.
• Solution: A homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent.
  Solution = Solute + Solvent
• Aqueous Solution: A solution where water is the solvent.

2. Solubility and Saturation

• Saturated Solution: A solution in which no more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature.
• Unsaturated Solution: A solution in which more solute can be dissolved at the same temperature.
• Solubility: The maximum amount of solute (in grams) that can dissolve in 100 g of solvent at a specific temperature.
• Effect of Temperature: generally, solubility of solids increases with temperature. Heating a saturated solution makes it unsaturated (can dissolve more).

3. Concentration of Solutions

Concentration tells us how much solute is present in a given quantity of solution.

• Mass Percentage: (Mass of Solute / Total Mass of Solution) × 100
• Note: Mass of Solution = Mass of Solute + Mass of Solvent.

4. Separation Techniques

• Crystallization: Used to obtain pure solid crystals from a solution. Example: Obtaining pure copper sulfate crystals from an impure solution or salt from sea water.