What is Concentration of a solution?
The Concentration of a solution is the amount (mass or volume) of solute present in a given amount (mass or volume) of solution.
Depending upon the amount of solute in a solution, it can be called a dilute solution, a concentrated solution, or a saturated solution.
● Dilute solution
When the amount of solute is relatively less in the solvent, it is called a dilute solution.
● Concentrated solution
When the amount of solute is relatively higher in a solvent, it is called a concentrated solution.
● Saturated solution
At any particular temperature, a solution that has dissolved as much solute as it is capable of dissolving is said to be a Saturated solution.
The terms ‘concentrated’ and ‘dilute’ are relative terms. Let us understand this with an example.
Consider two beakers, each containing 100 ml of water. 20 ml lemon juice is added in the first beaker and 50 ml lemon juice in the second. Then, the first solution is diluted as compared to the
second one. In other words, the second solution is more concentrated as compared to the first one.
What is Solubility?
The ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent is its Solubility.
The amount of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent is limited. It depends on the spaces between the particles of the solvent. If the spaces between the particles of the solvent are not completely filled, then more solute can dissolve in it. Such a solution is an unsaturated solution.
When the spaces between the particles of a solvent fill up completely, the particles of a solute have no space to go. Hence, the solute particles do not dissolve anymore in the solvent. This means the solution is saturated.
The solubility of a solute can be increased by raising the temperature of the solvent. When a solvent is heated, its particles move further apart. This means some more space is created, and the particles of solute can dissolve.