Question

Which of the following will affect the total amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent? a. The solution is stirred. b. The solute is ground to fine particles before dissolving. c. The temperature changes.

Short answer

In conclusion, only option c (the temperature changes) will affect the total amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent. Options a and b only affect the rate of dissolution, not the total amount that can dissolve.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Solubility

Solubility is a measure of the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent to form a homogeneous solution at a given temperature and pressure. It depends primarily on the nature of the solute and solvent, temperature, and pressure.

Identifying Factors Affecting Solubility

There are three main factors that can affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent: the nature of the solute and solvent, temperature, and pressure. Knowing these factors, we can now analyze the given options to see if they affect the solubility of a solute in the solvent.

Option a: The solution is stirred

Stirring is an effective technique for increasing the rate at which a solute dissolves in a solvent. By stirring, the solute particles come into contact with the solvent, making more particles available for interaction and dissolving. Although stirring does not affect the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in the solvent, it helps the solute dissolve faster.

Option b: The solute is ground to fine particles before dissolving

Grinding the solute into fine particles increases the surface area available for dissolving, which increases the rate at which the solute dissolves. Just like stirring, grinding does not change the overall solubility of the solute in the solvent, it only hastens the rate at which it dissolves.

Option c: The temperature changes

Temperature can significantly affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent. For most solid solutes, solubility increases with increasing temperature, while in the case of gases, solubility often decreases as the temperature increases. Therefore, a change in temperature can change the total amount of solute that can dissolve in a given solvent. In conclusion, considering the factors that affect solubility, only option c (the temperature changes) will affect the total amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent. Options a and b only affect the rate of dissolution, rather than the total amount that can dissolve.