Solutions are an important part of our daily lives and the world around us. From the water we drink to the medicines we take, solutions play a significant role. But what exactly are solutions, and how many types of solutions are there? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of solutions in simple terms.
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. This means the substances are evenly distributed, and you cannot see or separate the individual parts of the mixture easily. For example, when sugar dissolves in water, it forms a solution because the sugar particles spread evenly throughout the water.
Solutions can be classified based on:
Let’s look at these types in detail.
Solutions can exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. The type of solution depends on the physical state of the solute and solvent. There are nine combinations of solutions based on these states:
The concentration of solute in a solution determines its type. These include:
A solution with a small amount of solute compared to the solvent is called a dilute solution.
Example: A small amount of sugar in water.
A solution with a large amount of solute compared to the solvent is called a concentrated solution.
Example: Sugar syrup used in sweets.
A solution that cannot dissolve any more solute at a given temperature is called a saturated solution.
Example: Adding sugar to water until it no longer dissolves.
A solution that can dissolve more solute at a given temperature is called an unsaturated solution.
Example: Water with less sugar that can still dissolve more.
A solution that contains more solute than it can normally hold at a given temperature is called a supersaturated solution. This is achieved by heating the solution to dissolve more solute and then cooling it.
Example: Making rock candy from sugar syrup.
Solubility is the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent. Based on solubility, solutions can be:
A solution where water is the solvent is called an aqueous solution.
Example: Saltwater, sugar water.
A solution where the solvent is not water is called a non-aqueous solution.
Example: Iodine dissolved in alcohol (tincture of iodine).
Some solutions can conduct electricity, while others cannot. Based on this property, solutions are divided into:
A solution that conducts electricity because it contains ions is called an electrolyte solution.
Example: Saltwater (sodium chloride in water).
A solution that does not conduct electricity because it does not contain free ions is called a non-electrolyte solution.
Example: Sugar dissolved in water.
Solutions can also be categorized by the polarity of the solvent:
Polar solvents, like water, dissolve polar solutes. These solutions are formed when there is an attraction between positive and negative charges.
Example: Salt in water.
Non-polar solvents, like benzene, dissolve non-polar solutes.
Example: Oil dissolved in benzene.
Although not true solutions, colloids are often considered a separate category. In a colloid, the particles are larger than those in a true solution but still remain evenly distributed.
Understanding solutions helps us in many ways:
When two liquids do not mix, an immiscible solution is formed. We can say that immiscible liquids are those in which two liquids do not dissolve into each other and form separate layers.
Once sugar is dissolved in brewed tea or coffee, the beverage transforms into a solution.
Numerous substances are transported as water solutions throughout living things. Substances that have been dissolved can move more easily within and between cells.