Sugar is a _____ in a sugar solution. A. Solvent B. Solute C. Colloid D. Suspension
B
Understanding Solutions: Solute and Solvent
A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when one substance, called the solute, dissolves completely into another substance, called the solvent. In a solution, the particles of the solute are dispersed uniformly throughout the solvent, typically at the molecular or ionic level.
Let's break down the key terms:
- Solute: The substance that gets dissolved in the solvent. It is usually present in a smaller amount compared to the solvent.
- Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute. It is usually present in a larger amount and determines the physical state of the solution. Water is often referred to as the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve many substances.
Analyzing the Sugar Solution Components
The question asks about sugar in a sugar solution. A common sugar solution is made by dissolving sugar (like sucrose) in water.
In this specific example:
- Sugar is the substance that is being dissolved.
- Water (the other component of the solution) is the substance that is doing the dissolving.
Therefore, in a sugar solution, sugar acts as the solute, and water acts as the solvent.
| Component | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Solute | Substance being dissolved |
| Water | Solvent | Substance doing the dissolving |
| Sugar Solution | Solution | Homogeneous mixture of sugar and water |
Why Other Options are Incorrect
Let's look at why the other options are not correct in the context of a sugar solution:
- A. Solvent: Sugar is dissolved, not doing the dissolving in a typical sugar solution. Water is the solvent.
- C. Colloid: A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture where tiny particles are dispersed but do not settle out. Examples include milk or fog. A sugar solution is a homogeneous mixture; sugar particles are dissolved at the molecular level, not just dispersed small particles.
- D. Suspension: A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where larger particles are dispersed and will eventually settle out. Examples include sand in water or muddy water. A sugar solution does not have particles that settle out; it is a clear, homogeneous mixture.
Conclusion on Sugar's Role
Based on the definitions of solute and solvent and the nature of a sugar solution, sugar is the substance that gets dissolved, making it the solute.
Revision Table: Solution Terminology
| Term | Definition | Example in Sugar Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Solution | Homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent | Sugar Solution |
| Solute | Substance dissolved in a solvent | Sugar |
| Solvent | Substance that dissolves a solute | Water (typically) |
Additional Information: Types of Mixtures
Mixtures can be broadly classified based on the size of the particles dispersed within them:
- Solutions: Homogeneous mixtures with very small particle sizes (typically < ${1 \text{ nm}}$). Particles are evenly distributed and do not settle. They are transparent and light passes through them.
- Colloids: Heterogeneous mixtures with particle sizes generally between ${1 \text{ nm}}$ and ${1000 \text{ nm}}$. The particles are dispersed and do not settle out, but they are large enough to scatter light (Tyndall effect).
- Suspensions: Heterogeneous mixtures with larger particle sizes (typically > ${1000 \text{ nm}}$). Particles are visible to the naked eye or under a microscope and will settle out over time if left undisturbed. They are opaque or cloudy.
A sugar solution is a classic example of a solution because the sugar dissolves completely and its molecules are dispersed throughout the water, forming a uniform mixture that is transparent.
Important Questions from Solutions
When a solid body is partially or completely immersed in a fluid, the fluid exerts an upward force on the body. The magnitude of the force is equal to
(1) the mass of the body
(2) the weight of the displaced fluid by the body
Calculate the molar mass of copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, $CuSO_4 \cdot 5H_2O$.
(Atomic masses: $Cu = 63.55 \text{ g/mol}$, $S = 32.07 \text{ g/mol}$, $O = 16.00 \text{ g/mol}$, $H = 1.01 \text{ g/mol}$)The pH value of 1 × 10 -8 (M) HCl is:
The molar conductivity of 0.01 M acetic acid is 10 S cm2 mol−1. What is the dissociation constant of acetic acid? Choose the correct option.
\(\left[\begin{array}{l}\Lambda_{\text{H}^{+}}^{\circ}=345 ~\text{S}~ \text{cm}^{2}\text{mol}^{-1} \\ \Lambda_{\text{CH}_{3}\text{COO}^{-}}^{\circ}=55~\text{S cm}^{2} \text{mol}^{-1}\end{array}\right]\)
The solubility product ($K_{sp}$) of silver oxalate, $Ag_2C_2O_4$, is $5.32 \times 10^{-12}$. Calculate the concentration of $Ag^+$ ions in a saturated solution of $Ag_2C_2O_4$ that also contains $0.010$ M $Na_2C_2O_4$.
