What is the solubility of a …

The maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a known quantity of solvent at a certain temperature is its solubility.

The solubility of a substance depends on the physical and chemical properties of that substance. In addition to this, there are a few conditions which can manipulate it. Temperature, pressure and the type of bond and forces between the particles are few among them.

• Temperature: By changing the temperature we can increase the soluble property of a solute. Generally, water dissolves solutes at 20° C or 100° C. Sparingly soluble solid or liquid substances can be dissolved completely by increasing the temperature. But in the case of gaseous substance, temperature inversely influences solubility i.e. as the temperature increases gases expand and escapes from their solvent.

• Forces and Bonds: Like dissolves in like. The type of intermolecular forces and bonds vary among each molecule. The chances of solubility between two unlike substances are more challengeable than the like substances. For example, water is a polar solvent where a polar solute like ethanol is easily soluble.

• Pressure: Gaseous substances are much influenced than solids and liquids by pressure. When the partial pressure of gas increases, the chance of its solubility is also increased. A soda bottle is an example of where CO₂ is bottled under high pressure.