The document discusses solutions and mixtures. A solution is formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent, usually water, forming a clear, homogeneous liquid. The total mass of a solution equals the mass of the solvent plus the solute. Solutions can be separated using methods like filtration, evaporation, and distillation. Mixtures that contain undissolved solids or multiple liquids can also be separated using these and other techniques like chromatography.

1. 8E Summary Sheets
Solutions 8
Some solids dissolve in water to make a solution. These solids are soluble. A solution is made E
from a solute (solid) and a solvent (liquid). When a solution is formed, the liquid is always clear
(transparent).
+
solute solvent solution
Solids that do not dissolve are insoluble. When an insoluble solid is mixed with water, the water
goes cloudy. Sometimes the solid will sink to the bottom of the water.
The total mass of a solution equals the mass of solvent added to the mass of solute.
+ =
solvent solute solution
Water is the most common solvent. It is easily available, cheap, and dissolves a lot of different
solutes.
Other liquids (e.g. white spirit, ethanol) can also be used as solvents. Solutes that are insoluble in
water may dissolve in other solvents.
If you keep adding solutes to a solvent, you will get to a point where no more will dissolve. A
saturated solution cannot dissolve any more solute. More solid will dissolve if you add more
solvent (e.g. water) or increase the temperature.
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2. 8E Summary Sheets (continued)
Solutions and mixtures can be separated using different methods
8
E Method Used to separate Apparatus used Examples
filtering (filtration) solid particles • tea leaves from
which do not a cup of tea
dissolve from the • sand from a
liquid they are in mixture of
sand and water
evaporation dissolved • salt from salt
substances from a solution
solution
HEAT
distillation the liquid from Thermometer • water from salt
(evaporation the dissolved solid Water out solution
followed by in a solution or Liebig condenser
• alcohol from
condensation) one liquid from a a mixture of
mixture of liquids Water in alcohol and
HEAT water
chromatography individual colours • the colours
from a mixture of Purple found in ink
colours Blue • the food
colourings
Brown ink found in fruit
juice
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