The ability of a solute to dissolve in a particular solvent is called what?

• A. Solubility
• B. Conductivity
• C. Density
• D. Viscosity

Answer: (A)

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent to form a uniform mixture. It depends on how strongly the solvent and solute attract each other and how the particles can fit into the solvent’s structure. For example, water can dissolve many salts and sugars because the water molecules surround and separate the salt ions or sugar molecules, pulling them into solution. Temperature can change solubility: many solids dissolve more as temperature rises, while gases tend to become less soluble when the temperature goes up.

A solution that contains as much solute as the solvent can hold at a given temperature is saturated. If more solute is added, it won’t dissolve, and it may settle or remain as a separate phase.

Conductivity, density, and viscosity describe other properties of a substance or solution (how well it conducts electricity, how heavy it is per volume, and how thick or resistant to flow it is), but they don’t define the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent.