Lesson 2 of 8

Dissolving

Goal: Explain dissolving using particles.

Puzzles for this lesson

When a solid dissolves, its particles spread out between the particles of the liquid. It is still there, even though you cannot see it.

SoluteThe substance that dissolves

SolventThe liquid it dissolves in

SolutionThe mixture they make

Mass is conserved. 100 g of water and 5 g of salt make 105 g of solution.
Soluble means it dissolves. Insoluble means it does not, like sand in water. Stirred up, the bits of sand hang in the water as a suspension.
More solute in the same volume makes a more concentrated solution.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can use solute, solvent and solution correctly.I can explain why mass stays the same when a solid dissolves.

This lesson on one page. Tap it to make it bigger.

Mixture Two or more substances mixed together, not joined

Solute The substance that dissolves

Solvent The liquid that does the dissolving

Solution A solute dissolved in a solvent

Soluble Able to dissolve

Insoluble Not able to dissolve

Suspension Bits of insoluble solid hanging in a liquid

For teachers: AQA 3.5.2 · Pearson Edexcel 12.2 · Cambridge 8Cp.01 in part