Chemistry · Chapter 11

The Dissolving Process

Pick a solute, pick a solvent, then press stir. The crystal only comes apart when the new attractions can pay for the old ones. That is the rule called like dissolves like.

The beaker 2.00 g of solute in 50.0 mL of solvent

Beaker model of a solute dissolving water ready One dot is one solute particle. A ring means solvent has wrapped it.

What is happening in words

like dissolves like
NaCl in water
Press stir to start.

Solute

Solvent

Heat speeds the mixing up. It does not change which pairs can mix.

Live numbers

0%of the solid is gone not started

Molarity here assumes the volume stays at 50.0 mL. Real volumes shift a little when a solid goes in.

Forces being traded