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Oak National Academy
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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Solutions

I can explain how solutions are formed and how to use state symbols in equations.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Solutions

I can explain how solutions are formed and how to use state symbols in equations.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A solution is a type of mixture made of a solvent and a solute.
  2. Solutions form due to a solute dissolving in the solvent.
  3. Solubility is a measure of how well a chemical dissolves (soluble/insoluble).
  4. Many substances can act as a solvent; however, water is the most common.
  5. State symbols are used to identify the three states of matter and aqueous solutions in chemical equations.

Common misconception

Some think that because a solute can no longer be seen, or that a solvent becomes coloured when a solute dissolves, that the creation of a solution is a chemical change.

Create a salt solution, then evaporate the water (leaving salt crystals) to demonstrate that the salt and water have not chemically combined and therefore dissolving (to create a solution) is a physical change.

Keywords

  • Solute - A solute is a substance that has dissolved into a solvent.

  • Solvent - A solvent is a liquid into which a solute dissolves.

  • Soluble - When a substance dissolves in a solvent, it is described as soluble in that solvent.

  • Insoluble - A substance that does not dissolve in a particular solvent is described as insoluble.

  • State symbol - A state symbol is used in chemical equations to indicate the physical state of a substance.

Create a circus of stations in which pupils create solutions of various solid and liquid solutes and various solvents. Challenge pupils to describe the solution in an equation format, using state symbols.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which picture shows an insoluble substance?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q2.
Mass is measured in ...
centimetres.
millilitres.
Correct answer: grams.
centimetres-cubed.
Q3.
Sugar dissolves in water, so sugar can be described as a solid.
Correct Answer: soluble
Q4.
A is a material formed from two or more substances which can be physically separated.
Correct Answer: mixture, mixtures
Q5.
Some students have been asked to describe this diagram using key terms. Who has used their key words correctly?
An image in a quiz
That shows a pure liquid.
I think that might be a liquid mixture.
I'm fairly certain this shows an impure solid.
Correct answer: I reckon that's a pure solid.
Q6.
Melting is a reversible, physical change. Which of the following statements is also true about melting?
Melting is what happens when a substance disappears.
Melting occurs when solid particles become more regularly arranged.
Melting is the process of a substance disappearing in a liquid.
Correct answer: Melting occurs when solid particles become more irregularly arranged.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What happens when a solute dissolves in a solvent?
A chemical reaction occurs.
Correct answer: A solution is formed.
The solvent evaporates.
A precipitate is formed.
Q2.
What is a solvent in a solution?
The substance being dissolved.
Correct answer: The liquid that dissolves a substance.
The chemical that reacts.
The solid part of a solution.
The visible part of a solution.
Q3.
Which term describes a substance that does not dissolve in a solvent?
Correct Answer: insoluble
Q4.
Match the state symbol to its meaning.
Correct Answer:(s),solid

solid

Correct Answer:(l),liquid

liquid

Correct Answer:(g),gas

gas

Correct Answer:(aq),dissolved in water

dissolved in water

Q5.
If a substance is highly soluble (has a high solubility) in water, it means it can easily in water.
Correct Answer: dissolve
Q6.
Not everything is soluble in water. We can try and use a different (e.g. ethanol) to dissolve substances if they are not water soluble.
Correct Answer: solvent, solvents