Types of solutions

Solution containing two substances is called a binary solution, Substance which is dissolved is called solute, & substance which dissolves the solute is termed as solvent, Substance present in smaller amounts is called solute, and substance present in larger amounts is called solvent.

Classification of Solutions

Depending upon the physical state of solute and solvent, following types of binary solutions are possible.

Solution of a gas in gas, e.g., air

Solution of liquid in gas, e.g., aerosols

Solution of solid in gas, e.g., smoke

Solution of gas in solid, e.g., hydrogen adsorbed in palladium

Solution of liquid in solid,             e.g., mercury in amalgamated zinc

Solution of solid in solid, e.g., alloys

Solution of gas in liquid, e.g., aerated water (soft drinks)

Solution of liquid in liquid             e.g., ethyl alcohol and water

Solution of solid in liquid             e.g., sugar in water

Types of solutions

True Solution

The solute particles in a true solution easily pass through a filter paper. The solute particles in a solution cannot be seen by naked eyes. The solute properties are retained, thus a sugar solution is sweet in taste and a solution of salt in water is saline in taste.

Suspensions
A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the small particles of a solid are spread throughout a liquid without dissolving in it, for example: chalk particles in water mixture. Some of the properties of the suspension are, it is possible to separate solid particles in suspension by ordinary filtration, and can be seen with a naked eye. The particles of suspension settle down when a suspension is left undisturbed. Thus, a suspension is unstable and non- transparent to light.

Colloids

The size of solute particles is intermediate between those in true solutions and those in suspensions and colloids.

Based on water as a solvent

Aqueous solutions
The solutions made by dissolving various solutes in water are called aqueous solutions.

Non-Aqueous Solutions  

These solutions have a solvent that is not water. It could be ether, benzene, petrol, carbon tetrachloride etc. Common examples include sulphur in carbon disulphide, naphthalene in benzene, etc.

Basis of the Amount of Solute

Unsaturated Solution

An unsaturated is one that can dissolve more solute at a definite temperature. It means that we can still add more solute to the solvent.

Saturated Solution

No more amount of solute can be added to the solvent. This means that the solution can’t dissolve any more solute at a definite temperature.

Supersaturated Solution

The solute is present in an excess amount. This solute is dissolved forcefully by changing different factors affecting the solution such as temperature, pressure etc.

Basis of Amount of Solvent

Concentrated Solution

 A concentrated solution consists of more solute in the given solvent, for an example: Orange juice.

Dilute Solution

 A dilute solution has less amount of solute in a large amount of solvent, for an example: Salt solution.

Homogeneous Solution

Homogeneous means the same, in homogenous solutions the solute particles are uniformly distributed in the whole solution with similar concentration and properties throughout the solution. for example, coffee, milk etc.

Conclusion

Our daily lives are filled with solutions. The mixture in a solution is so close that the individual components can’t be distinguished. We may also conclude that it is stable and that their respective qualities may or may not have been altered. There are various types of solutions based on many factors.