dissolve

Definition

To dissolve means to break down into smaller pieces and mix evenly with another substance. This process is called dissolution.

For a substance to dissolve, it must be able to interact with the molecules of the solvent. The solvent is the substance that the other substance is dissolving in. For example, water is a solvent because it can interact with the molecules of sugar.

The rate of dissolution depends on a number of factors, including the temperature, the surface area of the solute, and the stirring.

Temperature: The rate of dissolution increases with temperature. This is because the molecules of the solute move faster at higher temperatures.
Surface area: The rate of dissolution increases with surface area. This is because the more surface area there is, the more contact there is between the solute and the solvent.
Stirring: Stirring increases the rate of dissolution by mixing the solute and the solvent more thoroughly.

Dissolution is an important process in many different areas of science, such as chemistry, biology, and medicine. It is used in a variety of applications, such as making solutions, extracting chemicals, and cleaning surfaces.

How can the word be used?

The word "dissolve" is related to the words "solution" and "solvent".

Different forms of the word

Noun: dissolution.

Verb: dissolve.

Adjective: dissolvable.

Adverb: dissolutely.

Synonym: melt.

Antonym: solidify.

Etymology

The word "dissolve" comes from the Latin word dissolvere, which means "to loosen" or "to break up". It is made up of the two Latin words dis (apart) and solvere (to loosen).

Question

What substances dissolve?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the process of dissolution and factors that affect the rate of dissolving. Describe the scientific principles behind the dissolution of different substances in water and how temperature, surface area, and stirring impact the rate of dissolving. Provide real-world examples of everyday situations where dissolution occurs and its significance.

Answer:

Dissolution is the process by which a solute (solid) dissolves in a solvent (liquid) to form a homogeneous mixture called a solution. The dissolving process occurs at the molecular level, where solute particles are surrounded by solvent molecules, breaking the attractive forces between solute particles.
Several factors affect the rate of dissolving. Higher temperatures generally lead to faster dissolution as the increased kinetic energy of particles promotes more collisions and successful breaking of solute-solvent bonds. The greater surface area of the solute, such as crushing a solid into powder, provides more contact points for solvent molecules, resulting in a quicker dissolving rate. Stirring the solution continuously ensures constant mixing, increasing the exposure of solute particles to the solvent, thus accelerating the dissolving process.
Real-world examples of dissolution include sugar dissolving in coffee or tea, salt dissolving in water to create saline solutions, and medicine tablets dissolving in the stomach for absorption. Understanding dissolution is crucial in various fields, from chemistry and medicine to food and pharmaceutical industries, where efficient and controlled dissolving processes are essential for desired outcomes.