Question

What are the factors affecting the solubility?

Answer 1

Solubility: The maximum amount of a solute that can be dissolved in $100\mathrm{g}$ a solvent at a specified temperature.

The factors that affect the solubility of the substance are temperature, the nature of the solute or solvent, and pressure.

Effect of temperature:

1. During an endothermic reaction (in which heat is absorbed), solubility increases with increasing temperature. for example, the solubility of Potassium nitrate $\left({\mathrm{KNO}}_3\right)$increases with the increase in temperature.
2. In contrast, in an exothermic process (a reaction where heat is given off), the solubility decreases as the temperature rises. for example, the solubility of Calcium oxide $\left(\mathrm{CaO}\right)$decreases with an increase in temperature.

Nature of solute or solvent:

1. The solubility of a solute in a solvent is also influenced by the nature of the solute and solvent.
2. A polar compound dissolves in a polar solvent. for example, common salt dissolves in water.
3. However, a polar compound is less soluble or insoluble in a non-polar solvent.example, acetone

Effect of pressure:

1. The effect of pressure is only observed in gases.
2. The solubility of a gas in a liquid increases with an increase in pressure and decreases with a decrease in pressure.
3. However, the solubility of solids in liquids remains unaffected by changes in pressure.
4. For example, Carbon dioxide gas$\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$ is filled in soft drinks to make them fizzy by increasing their pressure.