Question

Which phase of solvent and solute, respectively, can form a solution? I. Solid solvent, gaseous solute II. Solid solvent, solid solute III. Gaseous solvent, gaseous solute A. I and II only B. II and III only C. I and III only D. I, II, and III

Short answer

D

Step-by-step solution

- Identify possible phases of solution formation

A solution can form if the solute and solvent are able to mix or dissolve into each other. We need to identify which phase combinations can create such mixtures.

- Analyze I: Solid solvent, gaseous solute

A solid solvent with a gaseous solute can form a solution. An example is hydrogen gas dissolving in palladium metal. Thus, I is possible.

- Analyze II: Solid solvent, solid solute

A solid solvent with a solid solute can also form a solution, like alloys (e.g., brass is a solution of zinc and copper). Therefore, II is possible.

- Analyze III: Gaseous solvent, gaseous solute

A gaseous solvent with a gaseous solute is another feasible combination, such as the air we breathe, which is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. Hence, III is possible.

- Determine the correct answer

Since all three combinations I, II, and III are possible, the only choice that includes all three is D.

Key concepts

Phases of Matter

Matter primarily exists in three different phases: solid, liquid, and gas. Each phase has unique properties, which affect how substances interact with each other.
In a solid phase, particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement. This makes solids rigid and maintains their shape.
In a liquid phase, particles are still close but can move around each other. Liquids have a definite volume but no fixed shape, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container.
In a gas phase, particles are far apart and move freely. Gases have neither fixed volume nor shape, which means they expand to fill their container.
Understanding these basic properties helps us predict how different phases can interact to form solutions.
For example, a gas can dissolve into a solid, as hydrogen gas dissolves in palladium metal. Solids can dissolve into each other to form alloys like brass, which is a mixture of zinc and copper. Gases can also mix completely, as seen in the air we breathe every day.
Recognizing these interactions helps us understand and predict the behavior of solutions in various phases.

Solute and Solvent Interactions

A solution is formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent. The solute is the substance being dissolved, while the solvent is the substance doing the dissolving.
Solute and solvent interactions are crucial to forming a solution. These interactions depend on the phases of both the solute and the solvent, as well as their chemical properties.
For instance:

• Solid Solvent – Gaseous Solute: A solid can dissolve a gas, such as hydrogen gas dissolving in palladium.
• Solid Solvent – Solid Solute: Solid solutes dissolve in solid solvents in cases like metals forming alloys, where zinc and copper combine to form brass.
• Gaseous Solvent – Gaseous Solute: In gases, mixtures like the air we breathe, where oxygen and nitrogen are completely miscible, are good examples.

The effectiveness of these interactions depends on how well the molecules of the solute and solvent can mix. For example, in the alloy formation, metal atoms fit into the spaces of each other’s lattice structure.
In another case, gaseous molecules mix due to their high kinetic energy and ability to disperse evenly in the available space.
Hence, the ability to predict and explain solution formation relies heavily on understanding these interactions.

Solution Chemistry

Solution chemistry is the study of how substances form solutions and the properties of those solutions. It involves understanding how solutes and solvents interact, dissolve, and affect each other.
Different types of solutions are classified based on the phases of solute and solvent involved. For instance:

• Solid solutions include alloys such as steel (iron and carbon) and brass (copper and zinc).
• Liquid solutions include saltwater (salt in water) and alcoholic beverages (alcohol in water).
• Gaseous solutions include atmospheric air (various gases mixed together).

To understand solution chemistry, we often consider concepts such as solubility, which measures how well a solute can dissolve in a solvent. This can be affected by temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent.
For example, the solubility of gases in solids often increases with higher pressure, which is why hydrogen dissolves effectively in metals under certain conditions.
Furthermore, the concentration of a solution, which indicates how much solute is present in a given amount of solvent, is another key aspect. This can influence the properties of the solution, such as boiling and freezing points.
By grasping these principles, one can predict how different substances will behave when combined, and understand the underlying chemistry of solutions.