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2 examples of solid dissolved in a liquid
A solution forms when a solute (the substance being dissolved) disperses at the particle level inside a solvent (the dissolving medium), producing a homogeneous mixture. A “solid dissolved in a liquid” describes a solid solute that becomes uniformly distributed throughout a liquid solvent.
Recognition test: A true dissolved solid produces a uniform mixture that does not settle on standing and cannot be separated by simple filtration, unlike a suspension.
Step-by-step: how to identify valid examples
- Choose a solid solute with measurable solubility in a liquid at the stated temperature.
- Choose a liquid solvent (most commonly water in general chemistry, giving an aqueous solution).
- Describe what happens to particles: either ions separate (electrolyte) or molecules separate (nonelectrolyte).
- Confirm homogeneity: composition is uniform throughout the sample.
Two standard examples (solid solute in a liquid solvent)
| Example | Solute (solid) | Solvent (liquid) | Particle-level description | Type of solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt water | Sodium chloride, \(\mathrm{NaCl(s)}\) | Water, \(\mathrm{H_2O(l)}\) | The ionic solid separates into ions that become surrounded by water molecules (hydration). A common representation is: \[ \mathrm{NaCl(s) \rightarrow Na^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq)} \] | Electrolyte (conducts electricity in solution) |
| Sugar water | Sucrose (table sugar), \(\mathrm{C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}(s)}\) | Water, \(\mathrm{H_2O(l)}\) | The molecular solid disperses as intact molecules; no ions are produced. A schematic description is: \[ \mathrm{C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}(s) \rightarrow C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}(aq)} \] | Nonelectrolyte (does not produce ions) |
Why these are correct examples
Both examples match the definition “solid dissolved in a liquid” because the solute particles become uniformly distributed throughout the liquid phase, producing a single visible phase under ordinary conditions. The main chemical difference is that \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) forms ions in water, while sucrose dissolves as neutral molecules.
Visualization: what “dissolved” looks like at the particle level
Common confusions
- Melting vs dissolving: melting is a phase change of the solid itself; dissolving is mixing at the particle level within a solvent.
- Suspension vs solution: a suspension settles and can often be filtered; a solution remains uniform and typically passes through filter paper.
- “Aqueous” meaning: if the solvent is water, the dissolved species are labeled \((aq)\), as in \(\mathrm{Na^+(aq)}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl^-(aq)}\).
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