What are the factors affecting the solubility of solute in solvent?
The factors affecting the solubility of solute in solvent are:-
1. Temperature
2. Nature of solute and solvent
3. Pressure
1. The effect of temperature: In an endothermic process solubility increases with increase in temperature. E.g. Solubility of KNO3 increases with the increase in temperature. In an exothermic process the solubility decreases with increase in temperature. E.g. Solubility of CaO decreases with increase in temperature.
2. Nature of solute and solvent: Solubility of a solute in a solvent depends on the nature of both solute and solvent. A polar compound dissolves in a polar solvent. E.g. Common salt dissolves in water. A polar compound is less soluble (or) insoluble in a non-polar solvent.
3. Effect of Pressure: This is observed only in case of gases in liquids. An increase in pressure increases the solubility of a gas in a liquid. For e.g. CO2 gas is filled in soft drinks due to the effect of pressure on the liquid.