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Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Solutions

I can explain how solutions are formed and how to use state symbols in equations.

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New
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Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Solutions

I can explain how solutions are formed and how to use state symbols in equations.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A solution is a type of mixture made of a solvent and a solute.
  2. Solutions form due to a solute dissolving in the solvent.
  3. Solubility is a measure of how well a chemical dissolves (soluble/insoluble).
  4. Many substances can act as a solvent; however, water is the most common.
  5. State symbols are used to identify the three states of matter and aqueous solutions in chemical equations.

Keywords

  • Solute - A solute is a substance that has dissolved into a solvent.

  • Solvent - A solvent is a liquid into which a solute dissolves.

  • Soluble - When a substance dissolves in a solvent, it is described as soluble in that solvent.

  • Insoluble - A substance that does not dissolve in a particular solvent is described as insoluble.

  • State symbol - A state symbol is used in chemical equations to indicate the physical state of a substance.

Common misconception

Some think that because a solute can no longer be seen, or that a solvent becomes coloured when a solute dissolves, that the creation of a solution is a chemical change.

Create a salt solution, then evaporate the water (leaving salt crystals) to demonstrate that the salt and water have not chemically combined and therefore dissolving (to create a solution) is a physical change.

Create a circus of stations in which pupils create solutions of various solid and liquid solutes and various solvents. Challenge pupils to describe the solution in an equation format, using state symbols.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
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Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which picture shows an insoluble substance?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q2.
Mass is measured in ...
centimetres.
millilitres.
Correct answer: grams.
centimetres-cubed.
Q3.
Sugar dissolves in water, so sugar can be described as a solid.
Correct Answer: soluble
Q4.
A is a material formed from two or more substances which can be physically separated.
Correct Answer: mixture, mixtures
Q5.
Some students have been asked to describe this diagram using key terms. Who has used their key words correctly?
An image in a quiz
That shows a pure liquid.
I think that might be a liquid mixture.
I'm fairly certain this shows an impure solid.
Correct answer: I reckon that's a pure solid.
Q6.
Melting is a reversible, physical change. Which of the following statements is also true about melting?
Melting is what happens when a substance disappears.
Melting occurs when solid particles become more regularly arranged.
Melting is the process of a substance disappearing in a liquid.
Correct answer: Melting occurs when solid particles become more irregularly arranged.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What happens when a solute dissolves in a solvent?
A chemical reaction occurs.
Correct answer: A solution is formed.
The solvent evaporates.
A precipitate is formed.
Q2.
What is a solvent in a solution?
The substance being dissolved.
Correct answer: The liquid that dissolves a substance.
The chemical that reacts.
The solid part of a solution.
The visible part of a solution.
Q3.
Which term describes a substance that does not dissolve in a solvent?
Correct Answer: insoluble
Q4.
Match the state symbol to its meaning.
Correct Answer:(s),solid
tick

solid

Correct Answer:(l),liquid
tick

liquid

Correct Answer:(g),gas
tick

gas

Correct Answer:(aq),dissolved in water
tick

dissolved in water

Q5.
If a substance is highly soluble (has a high solubility) in water, it means it can easily in water.
Correct Answer: dissolve
Q6.
Not everything is soluble in water. We can try and use a different (e.g. ethanol) to dissolve substances if they are not water soluble.
Correct Answer: solvent, solvents