Question

Give three factors which affect the solubility of a solid solute in a solvent.

Answer 1

The rate of dissolution or rate of solubility of a solid in a liquid depends on the following factors:

1. Size of solute particles: The smaller the size of the solute particles, the greater is its total surface area exposed to the solvent. Therefore, the greater is the solubility of that solute.
2. Stirring: This brings more of the solvent in contact with the solute and thus increases the rate of formation of solution.
3. Temperature: The solubility of a gas in a liquid always decreases with rise in temperature. But the solubility of most solids in water usually increases with rise in temperature.