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True Solution

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An Introduction to True Solution

A clear, homogeneous mixture of a solute and a solvent having a particle size of <1nm is called a true solution. Solute and solvent in a true solution are completely dissolved. They cannot be passed through filter paper and even cannot be seen through a microscope. Solute and solvent are the components of a true solution and a uniform mixture.

Both the Tyndall effect and the Brownian movement can not be observed in a true solution. The solution is transparent and solute particles do not settle down because of their very small size. The particles of solute in the true solution do not settle down. This makes it different from the colloidal solution. Example- solution of sugar and salt in water.

What is a True Solution?

When a solute and solvent are mixed together homogeneously, this type of mixture is known as a true solution. It has a particle size of <1nm. It is a homogenous mixture of solute and solvent. In a true solution, both solute and solvent pass through the filter paper. A true solution does not scatter light, that is, it does not show the Tyndall effect. Filtration cannot separate the particles. Hence, it is a uniform solution throughout. Due to homogeneity, the particles of solute do not settle down. It is a clear and transparent solution.

Components of True Solution

There are two main components of the solution. These are as follows:

  • Solute - It is that part of a solution that is dissolved in the solvent.

  • Solvent - It is that part of the solution in which solute dissolves. It defines the phase of solution and it is in larger quantities than solute.

Difference between True Solutions and Colloidal Solutions

  • A true solution is a homogenous mixture of solute and solvent, whereas a colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture in which solute remains suspended in a solvent.

  • The size of particles in a true solution is <1 nm, whereas in a colloidal solution, the size ranges from 1 nm to 100 nm.

  • In a true solution, the Brownian effect cannot be observed, whereas it can be observed in a colloidal solution.

  • Particles cannot be seen even with a microscope in true solution, whereas particles in colloidal solution can be observed with a microscope.

  • True solutions do not show the Tyndall effect whereas colloidal solutions show.

Properties and Characteristics of True Solution

Are you aware which properties are characteristic of true solutions? The following points discuss the properties and characteristics of true solutions.

  • The true solution is a homogeneous mixture.

  • The particles cannot be seen through the naked eye or a microscope.

  • The particles of the solution easily pass through the filter paper, and hence it is impossible to separate them.

  • It has only one phase.

  • The physical and chemical properties such as melting and boiling point of a true solution change when other substances are added to it.

What is the Real Solution?

The real solution definition states that it is a homogeneous mixture of at least two chemical substances. The real solution is clear and particles are evenly distributed in the solvent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have learnt that a true solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The solute completely dissolves in solvent and forms a colourless, transparent solution. The particle size of a true solution is 1nm. An example of a true solution can be salt or sugar solution in water. The types of true solutions are based on various factors.

The properties of the true solution make it different from suspension and colloidal solutions. The solute and solvent of the true solution do not settle down at the bottom. Therefore, the light completely passes through it. That is, it does not show Tyndall or Rayleigh’s effect. Brownian motion is also not observed in true solution. The particles are so small that they cannot be observed by the naked eye.

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FAQs on True Solution

1. What exactly is a true solution in Chemistry?

A true solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. This means the composition is uniform throughout. It consists of a solute (the substance being dissolved) and a solvent (the substance it dissolves in). For example, when you dissolve salt in water, the salt is the solute and water is the solvent, creating a true solution.

2. What are the main properties of a true solution?

A true solution has several distinct properties that set it apart from other mixtures:

  • Particle Size: The solute particles are extremely small, typically less than 1 nanometer in diameter.
  • Appearance: It is always clear and transparent.
  • Stability: The solute particles do not settle down over time, meaning the solution is stable.
  • Filtration: The solute cannot be separated from the solvent by simple filtration.
  • Visibility: Individual solute particles cannot be seen even with a powerful microscope.

3. Can you give some common examples of true solutions?

Yes, we encounter true solutions every day. Common examples include salt dissolved in water, sugar dissolved in water, air (a solution of gases like oxygen and nitrogen), and metal alloys like brass (a solid solution of zinc in copper).

4. How is a true solution different from a colloidal solution or a suspension?

The main difference lies in the particle size and stability. In a true solution, particles are tiny (<1 nm) and never settle. In a colloidal solution, particles are larger (1-1000 nm), remain suspended, and can scatter light (the Tyndall effect). In a suspension, particles are much larger (>1000 nm), are often visible, and will settle down over time, like sand in water.

5. Why doesn't a beam of light become visible when passed through a true solution?

A beam of light is not visible because the particles in a true solution are too small to scatter the light. This scattering phenomenon is called the Tyndall effect. Since the solute particles are nearly the size of single molecules, the light passes straight through without being deflected, making the path of the beam invisible.

6. How can we classify the different types of true solutions?

True solutions can be classified based on different criteria:

  • Based on the solvent: They can be aqueous (if the solvent is water) or non-aqueous (if the solvent is something else, like alcohol or ether).
  • Based on solute concentration: They can be unsaturated (can dissolve more solute), saturated (cannot dissolve more solute at that temperature), or supersaturated (holds more solute than it normally can).

7. What determines whether one substance will dissolve in another to form a true solution?

The primary factor is the chemical nature of the solute and solvent, often summarized by the rule "like dissolves like." This means that polar substances (like water and salt) tend to dissolve other polar substances, while non-polar substances (like oil and grease) dissolve other non-polar substances. Temperature and pressure can also influence solubility.

8. Are all liquid mixtures considered true solutions?

No, not all liquid mixtures are true solutions. For a mixture to be a true solution, it must be homogeneous, meaning the components are uniformly mixed at a molecular level. A mixture like oil and water is a heterogeneous mixture because the oil and water do not dissolve in each other and form separate layers. They do not form a true solution.