The examples of solute refer to a substance that dissolves in another (solvent) and form a solution. Not all solutes are solids or solvents are liquids.
In this sense, there are several possible combinations: gas in liquid, gas in solid, liquid in liquid, liquid in solid, solid in liquid or solid in solid.
To recognize the solute in a solution, two aspects must be taken into account. First, this is the substance that is in the lowest proportion. In addition, it is the one that changes its physical state (solid, liquid or gaseous) when integrating itself to the solution.
Examples of solute in gaseous state
1- Carbon dioxide in water (soft drinks)
Carbonated water is water that contains carbon dioxide and is produced by passing carbon dioxide under pressure through water.
Carbonated mineral waters occur naturally for a long time. These effervescent waters exist due to the excess of carbon dioxide in an aquifer that has dissolved under pressure.
One of the best-known examples of solute is commercial soda, which is combined with a syrup. The presence of carbon dioxide makes these waters and soft drinks more appealing and visually appealing.
2- Oxygen and other gases in nitrogen (air)
Air in the atmosphere is composed of molecules of different gases. Basically it consists of 78% of nitrogen and about 21% of oxygen (solute). In addition, it contains almost 1% of argon and other molecules, but in very small amounts.
3-Propane in butane (cooking gas )
This combination, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has been used since 1860 as a source of fuel for home purposes.
Since then it has expanded its production and consumption for both domestic and industrial use. Because both gases are extremely unhealthy and dangerous, a substance called mercaptan is added, which makes any leaks noticeable.
Examples of solute in solid state
4- Zinc in copper (brass)
The commercial alloy known as brass consists of zinc (5 to 40%) dissolved in copper. Zinc helps increase tensile strength. Other elements such as tin, iron, aluminum, nickel and silicon can be added to this alloy.
5- Iodine in alcohol (tincture of iodine)
Another popular example of solute is iodine tincture. This solution contains iodine in ethyl alcohol (44-50%). Iodine tincture is used as an antiseptic.
6- Salt in water (sea water)
Sea water covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface. This is a complex mixture of 96.5% water, 2.5% salts and smaller amounts of other substances. This includes dissolved inorganic and organic materials, particles and some atmospheric gases.
Examples of liquid solute
7- Alcohol in water (alcoholic beverages)
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (solute) from the fermentation of sugar is mixed with water in fixed proportions to produce the alcoholic beverages.
Such a compound is easily digested by the body, but its overconsumption can cause serious health damage.
8- Water in air (humidity in the air)
Water in air is commonly known as fog. This is caused by small drops of water suspended in the air, and is basically due to cooling of the earth at night.
In this way, this cooling causes the surrounding air to lower its temperature. The phenomenon is then produced by condensing the water retained in it.
9- Acetic acid in water (vinegar)
Vinegar is a high-tasting liquid used to add flavor or preserve food. It is prepared by a solution of acetic acid mixed with water.
The concentration of acetic acid is variable. For example, distilled vinegar has a ratio of 5 to 8%.
10- Mercury in silver (amalgams or dental fillings)
Amalgams used for dental fillings consist of 2% mercury with an alloy that acts as a solvent. This alloy contains 70% silver. Tin, copper and zinc can also be added.
References
- Lambert, N. and Mohammed, M. (1993). Chemistry for CXC. Oxford: Heinemann.
- Steen, D. P. (2008). Carbon Dioxide, carbonation and the principles of filling technology. In D. P. Steen, Philip and P. R. Ashurst (eds.), Carbonated Soft Drinks: Formulation and Manufacture, pp. 112-143. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
- What's in the Air? (s / f). UCAR Center for Science Education. Retrieved on October 17, 2017, from eo.ucar.edu
- Liquefied petroleum gas. (2013, July 12). Encyclopædia Britannica.
Retrieved on October 16, 2017, from britannica.com - Lytle, D.A. and Schock, M.R. (1996). Stagnation Time, Composition, PH, and Orthophosphate Effects on Metal Leaching from Brass. Ohio: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Crabwee, T. D.; Pelletier, S.J. and Pruett, T.L. (2001). Surgical Antisepsis. In S. S. Block (ed.), Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, pp. 919-934. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Byrne, R. H. et al (2017, June 07). Seawater. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on October 17, 2017, from britannica.com
- Plutowska B. and Wardencki, W. (2012). Gas chromatography-olfactometry of alcoholic beverages. In J. Piggott (ed.), Alcoholic Beverages: Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Research, pp. 101-122. Philadelphia: Woodhead Publishing.
- What is fog? (2017, July 12). Met Office (UK). metoffice.gov.uk
- Helmenstine, A. M. (2016, February 16). What is the Chemical Composition of Vinegar? Retrieved on October 17, 2017, from thoughtco.com
- Phinney, D.J. and Halstead, J.H. (2017). Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.