Q.Match the items given in Column I with the type of solutions given in Column II.
Column I:
Column II:
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Types of Solutions: From Everyday Life to Chemistry
You already know what a solution is — sugar dissolved in water, salt in water, even the air you breathe. But not all solutions behave the same way. Some dissolve easily, some refuse to dissolve beyond a point, and some can hold more solute than they normally should. That difference is what we classify as types of solutions based on how much solute is dissolved.
The Intuition: A Cup of Tea
Imagine making a cup of tea. You add one spoon of sugar — it dissolves completely. You add a second spoon — still dissolves. A third spoon — maybe it dissolves, maybe it doesn't. At some point, no matter how much you stir, the sugar just sits at the bottom.
That moment — when no more sugar dissolves — is the saturation point. Before that, you have an unsaturated solution. At that exact point, you have a saturated solution. And if you carefully heat the tea, dissolve more sugar, then cool it down without disturbing it — you might get a supersaturated solution, where more sugar stays dissolved than should be possible at that temperature.
That's the entire idea. Three types, defined by how much solute is dissolved relative to the maximum possible.
The Precise Statement
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of a solute (the substance being dissolved) and a solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). Based on the amount of solute dissolved relative to its solubility at a given temperature, solutions are classified into three types:
Types of Solutions (by saturation)
- Unsaturated solution — contains less solute than the maximum that can be dissolved at that temperature.
- Saturated solution — contains exactly the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at that temperature.
- Supersaturated solution — contains more solute than the maximum normally possible at that temperature (a metastable state).
Breaking Down Each Type
Unsaturated solution — the most common type. You can still add more solute and it will dissolve. The concentration is below the solubility limit. If you have a glass of water at room temperature and add a pinch of salt, you get an unsaturated solution. Add more salt — still unsaturated, until you hit the limit.
Saturated solution — the solute and undissolved solute are in dynamic equilibrium. At the molecular level, the rate at which solute particles dissolve equals the rate at which they crystallize out. No net change. If you keep adding salt to water and it stops dissolving, the liquid above the undissolved salt is a saturated solution. The concentration is fixed at the solubility value for that temperature.
A common mistake: thinking a saturated solution is always "thick" or "concentrated." Not true. Saturation depends on the solute's solubility. Lead(II) chloride saturates at about 0.45 g per 100 mL water — that's a very dilute saturated solution. Saturation ≠ high concentration.
Supersaturated solution — this is a tricky one. You create it by heating the solvent, dissolving more solute than normally possible, then carefully cooling it. The excess solute stays dissolved because there's no nucleation site (no scratch, no dust particle) to trigger crystallization. It's unstable — the slightest disturbance (a dust speck, a scratch on the glass, even a sudden jolt) causes the excess solute to crystallize out instantly. …
Why this formula?
Types of Solutions: Why the Key Formulae Hold
Understanding why the formulae work is essential for Indian exams (JEE, NEET, CBSE). Let's break down the reasoning behind the most important relationships.
1. The Basic Classification: What Makes a Solution?
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The key idea is intermolecular forces between solute and solvent particles.
- Ideal Solution: Solute-solvent interactions are identical to solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions. Why? No net energy change on mixing — the molecules "fit" perfectly.
- Non-Ideal Solution: Interactions differ, leading to deviation from Raoult's law.
2. Raoult's Law: The Foundation
Formula:
Psolution=xsolvent⋅Psolvent0
Why does this hold?
Imagine a pure solvent surface. The vapour pressure P0 comes from molecules escaping the liquid. When you add a non-volatile solute, solute molecules occupy some surface area, blocking solvent molecules from escaping.
- The fraction of surface available to solvent = mole fraction of solvent (xsolvent).
- Therefore, the rate of escape (vapour pressure) is proportional to that fraction:
Psolution∝xsolvent
- At the limit xsolvent=1, Psolution=P0, so the constant is P0.
Key insight: Raoult's law is a surface-area argument, not a volume argument.
3. Relative Lowering of Vapour Pressure
Formula:
P0P0−P=xsolute
Derivation in one line:
From Raoult's law:
P=xsolvent⋅P0
Since xsolvent+xsolute=1,
P=(1−xsolute)P0
⇒P0−P=xsolute⋅P0
⇒P0P0−P=xsolute
Why is this useful?
It depends only on the mole fraction of solute, not on its identity — making it a colligative property.
4. Elevation of Boiling Point
Formula:
ΔTb=Kb⋅m
Why does boiling point rise?
- Boiling occurs when vapour pressure = atmospheric pressure.
- Adding a non-volatile solute lowers vapour pressure (Raoult's law).
- To reach atmospheric pressure again, you must raise the temperature.
- The shift ΔTb is proportional to the molality m (moles of solute per kg of solvent), because:
- More solute → greater vapour pressure lowering → more temperature needed.
- Kb (ebullioscopic constant) is a property of the solvent only.
5. Depression of Freezing Point
Formula:
ΔTf=Kf⋅m
Why does freezing point drop?
- At the freezing point, solid and liquid solvent are in equilibrium.
- Adding solute disrupts this equilibrium — solute molecules interfere with the orderly crystal formation of the solvent.
- To re-establish equilibrium, you must lower the temperature.
- Again, ΔTf∝m, and Kf depends only on the solvent.
Common exam trap: Both ΔTb and ΔTf are colligative — they depend on number of solute particles, not their nature.
6. Osmotic Pressure
Formula:
Π=i⋅C⋅R⋅T
Why does this hold?
- Osmosis is the net movement of solvent from low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane.
- The solvent moves to dilute the higher concentration — this is a entropy-driven process (mixing increases disorder). …
Concept: Types Of Solutions — based on the physical state of solute and solvent.
Reasoning:
- Soda water: carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water → gas in liquid → (e).
- Sugar solution: solid sugar dissolved in water → solid in liquid → (c).
- German silver: an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel → solid in solid → (d).
- Air: a mixture of gases (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) → gas in gas → (b). …
The key idea is to classify each mixture by the physical state of its solute and solvent. The correct matches are: (i)→(e), (ii)→(c), (iii)→(d), (iv)→(b), (v)→(a).
Concept and Intuition
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The substance present in the larger amount is called the solvent, and the substance present in the smaller amount is called the solute. The type of solution is described by the phrase "a solution of [solute state] in [solvent state]".
To classify correctly, you must identify which component is the solute (the one being dissolved) and which is the solvent (the one doing the dissolving). The physical state of each at room temperature (or the given conditions) determines the classification.
A common mistake is to reverse the solute and solvent. For example, in "soda water", water is the solvent (liquid) and carbon dioxide is the solute (gas). The correct classification is "a solution of gas in liquid", not "a solution of liquid in gas".
Step-by-Step Matching
1. (i) Soda water
Soda water is carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water. The solvent is water (liquid), and the solute is carbon dioxide (gas).
→ This is a solution of gas in liquid.
Match: (i) → (e)
2. (ii) Sugar solution
Sugar solution is sugar (solid) dissolved in water (liquid). The solvent is water (liquid), and the solute is sugar (solid).
→ This is a solution of solid in liquid.
Match: (ii) → (c)
3. (iii) German silver
German silver is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. Alloys are solid solutions where one metal is dissolved in another. Here, all components are solids.
→ This is a solution of solid in solid.
Match: (iii) → (d)
4. (iv) Air …
Method: Solute–Solvent Classification Based on Physical States
This method uses the physical states (solid, liquid, gas) of the solute and solvent to classify each solution.
Steps
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Identify the solute and solvent in each mixture.
- The solvent is the component present in larger amount (or the one that dissolves the other).
- The solute is the component present in smaller amount (the one that gets dissolved).
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Determine the physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) of both solute and solvent at room temperature.
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Match the pair to the correct type from Column II using the pattern:
- Solution of gas in liquid → gas solute, liquid solvent
- Solution of gas in solid → gas solute, solid solvent
- Solution of solid in liquid → solid solute, liquid solvent
- Solution of solid in solid → solid solute, solid solvent
- Solution of gas in gas → gas solute, gas solvent
- Solution of liquid in solid → liquid solute, solid solvent
Applying the Steps
| Column I Item | Solute | Solvent | Type (Column II) |
|---------------|--------|---------|------------------| …
Here’s a breakdown of the common mistakes students make when matching types of solutions, along with how to avoid each.
Mistake 1: Confusing the solute and solvent in alloys (German silver)
What students do wrong:
Students often think German silver is a solution of solid in liquid (because it’s a metal alloy) or misidentify it as a solution of liquid in solid.
Why it happens:
They forget that an alloy is a solid-solid solution — both components are solids at room temperature.
How to avoid:
- Remember: Alloys = solid in solid.
- German silver is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel — all solids.
- So the correct match is (iii) → (d).
Mistake 2: Thinking “soda water” is a solution of liquid in liquid
What students do wrong:
They see “water” and assume it’s a liquid-liquid solution, ignoring the dissolved gas.
Why it happens:
They focus on the solvent (water) and forget the solute (carbon dioxide gas).
How to avoid:
- Identify the solute first: In soda water, CO₂ gas is dissolved in water.
- So it’s gas in liquid → match (i) → (e).
- Tip: If a drink fizzes, it contains dissolved gas.
Mistake 3: Misclassifying “air” as a solution of gas in liquid or solid
What students do wrong:
They sometimes match air with “gas in solid” or “gas in liquid” because they think of dust or moisture.
Why it happens:
They overcomplicate — air is primarily a mixture of gases (N₂, O₂, etc.) with no liquid or solid phase dominating.
How to avoid:
- Air is a homogeneous mixture of gases → gas in gas.
- Match (iv) → (b).
- Ignore trace impurities unless the question specifies them.
Mistake 4: Confusing “hydrogen gas in palladium” with a gas-gas solution
What students do wrong:
They see “hydrogen gas” and “palladium” and think both are gases, or they match it with “gas in liquid”.
Why it happens:
They don’t know that palladium is a solid metal that can absorb hydrogen gas.
How to avoid:
- Learn this classic example: Hydrogen in palladium is a gas in solid solution.
- Match (v) → (a).
- Remember: Palladium is a solid, so the solute (H₂ gas) is trapped in the solid lattice.
Mistake 5: Matching “sugar solution” with gas in liquid or solid in solid
What students do wrong: …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following does not show Tyndall effect? (A) Clouds (B) Milk (C) Sugar solution (D) Suspension
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by colloidal particles. Clouds, milk, and suspensions are colloids that scatter light, while a true solution like sugar solution does not. Therefore, the answer is (C).
The Tyndall effect is the visible scattering of light when a beam passes through a medium containing particles large enough to scatter it — typically in the colloidal size range (1–1000 nm). This is why a projector beam cuts through fog or why a laser becomes visible in a glass of milk. The key idea is that the particles must be of a size comparable to the wavelength of visible light; if they are too small (as in a true solution), the light passes through without scattering, and the beam remains invisible from the side.
Let’s examine each option:
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Clouds — Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in air. These droplets are in the colloidal range, so they scatter sunlight strongly. That’s why clouds appear white (all colours scattered equally) and why you see a distinct beam of light through a gap in the clouds. Clouds definitely show the Tyndall effect.
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Milk — Milk is a classic example of a colloid: it contains fat globules and protein micelles dispersed in water. These particles are large enough to scatter light, which is why milk looks opaque and white. A beam of light passing through milk is clearly visible from the side. Milk shows the Tyndall effect. …
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- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-FN1 markMCQQ.A liquid mixture is an ideal solution, ifa) It obeys ideal gas equationb) It obeys Raoult’s law at all concentrationsc) Solute – solute, solute – solvent and solvent – solvent interactions are similar (A) a only (B) a, b only (C) b, c only (D) c only
›Reveal solutionSolution
An ideal solution is defined by obedience to Raoult’s law at all concentrations, which in turn requires that all intermolecular interactions (solute-solute, solute-solvent, solvent-solvent) are similar. The correct option is (C).
The concept here is what makes a liquid mixture "ideal" in the thermodynamic sense. Unlike an ideal gas, which is about gas-phase behavior, an ideal solution is about how the components mix at the molecular level. The key condition is that the mixture obeys Raoult’s law — that is, the partial vapor pressure of each component is proportional to its mole fraction in the liquid phase. This law holds exactly only when the intermolecular forces between all pairs of molecules are identical, so that there is no net energy change or volume change upon mixing. Let’s examine each statement.
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Statement (a): "It obeys ideal gas equation"
This is irrelevant. The ideal gas equation (PV=nRT) describes the behavior of gases, not liquid mixtures. A liquid mixture is not a gas, so this condition has nothing to do with an ideal solution. Statement (a) is false.
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Statement (b): "It obeys Raoult’s law at all concentrations"
This is the defining criterion. Raoult’s law states that for a component i, Pi=xiPi∗, where xi is its mole fraction in the liquid and Pi∗ is its vapor pressure when pure. An ideal solution obeys this law exactly over the entire range of composition. Statement (b) is true.
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Statement (c): "Solute – solute, solute – solvent and solvent – solvent interactions are similar" …
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- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following are correct for an ideal solution?a) ΔVmix=0b) Vsolvent+Vsolute=Vsolutionc) ΔHmix=0d) H2O+CO2→H2CO3 is an example of ideal solution. (A) a, b only (B) b, c only (C) a, b, c only (D) a, b, c, d
›Reveal solutionSolution
An ideal solution is defined by zero volume change and zero enthalpy change upon mixing, so statements a and c are correct; statement b is a restatement of a, and statement d describes a chemical reaction, not a solution. The correct option is (C).
The key concept is that an ideal solution is one where the intermolecular forces between all molecules (solute–solute, solvent–solvent, and solute–solvent) are identical. This means that when you mix the components, there is no net energy change and no net volume change — the mixture behaves as if the molecules simply “replace” each other without any interaction effects.
Let’s examine each statement:
-
Statement a: ΔVmix=0
In an ideal solution, the volume of the mixture is exactly the sum of the volumes of the pure components before mixing. There is no contraction or expansion because the molecular packing is unchanged. This is a defining property. So a is correct.
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Statement b: Vsolvent+Vsolute=Vsolution
This is simply another way of saying ΔVmix=0 — the total volume after mixing equals the sum of the volumes before mixing. So b is also correct (it’s equivalent to a).
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Statement c: ΔHmix=0
Because the intermolecular forces are all the same, no heat is absorbed or released when mixing. The enthalpy change is zero. This is the other defining property of an ideal solution. So c is correct.
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Statement d: H2O+CO2→H2CO3 is an example of an ideal solution. …
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-AN1 markMCQQ.A and B on mixing form an ideal solution at room temperature. Which of the following options is correct for this process? (A) ΔG System − \quad ΔS System + \quad ΔS Surroundings + \quad ΔH + (B) ΔG System + \quad ΔS System + \quad ΔS Surroundings 0 \quad ΔH + (C) ΔG System − \quad ΔS System + \quad ΔS Surroundings 0 \quad ΔH 0 (D) ΔG System − \quad ΔS System − \quad ΔS Surroundings + \quad ΔH +
›Reveal solutionSolution
For mixing of ideal solutions at room temperature, the process is spontaneous (ΔG<0) and driven by an increase in entropy of the system (ΔSsys>0), while enthalpy change is zero (ΔH=0) and surroundings experience no entropy change (ΔSsurr=0). The correct option is (C).
The key idea here is that an ideal solution is defined by having no change in enthalpy or volume upon mixing — the intermolecular forces between unlike molecules are identical to those between like molecules. So mixing is purely an entropy-driven process.
When two pure substances A and B are mixed, the molecules have more possible arrangements in the mixture than they did in the separate pure states. This increase in microstates means the entropy of the system increases: ΔSsys>0.
Since ΔH=0 for ideal mixing, and the process occurs at constant temperature and pressure, the entropy change of the surroundings is given by ΔSsurr=−TΔH=0. The surroundings neither gain nor lose heat.
Spontaneity at constant T and P is governed by the Gibbs free energy change: ΔG=ΔH−TΔSsys. With ΔH=0 and ΔSsys>0, we get ΔG=−TΔSsys<0. The process is spontaneous.
Let’s match these signs to the options:
- ΔGsys: Negative (−) — spontaneous mixing.
- ΔSsys: Positive (+) — increased disorder.
- ΔSsurr: Zero (0) — no heat exchange with surroundings. …
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following mixture form an ideal solution? (A) CCl4+C7H8 (B) CHCl3+C6H6 (C) H2O+CH3OH (D) n−C6H14+n−C7H16
›Reveal solutionSolution
An ideal solution forms when the intermolecular forces between unlike molecules are nearly identical to those between like molecules. This happens for structurally similar, non-polar hydrocarbons. The correct pair is n-hexane and n-heptane, option (D).
An ideal solution obeys Raoult's law at all concentrations and temperatures. The key condition is that the solute-solvent interactions (A–B) must be equal in strength to the pure component interactions (A–A and B–B). When this holds, there is no volume change or enthalpy change on mixing — the solution is "ideal."
Let’s examine each pair.
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Option (A): CCl4+C7H8 (carbon tetrachloride + toluene)
CCl4 is a non-polar, symmetrical molecule. Toluene (C7H8) is also non-polar but has a slightly polarizable aromatic ring. While both are non-polar, their molecular shapes and sizes differ enough that the intermolecular forces are not perfectly matched. In fact, CCl4 and toluene show slight positive deviation from Raoult’s law — not ideal.
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Option (B): CHCl3+C6H6 (chloroform + benzene)
Chloroform has a polar C–H bond and can form weak hydrogen bonds with benzene’s π-electron cloud. This creates stronger A–B interactions than the pure A–A or B–B interactions. The result is a negative deviation from Raoult’s law — definitely not ideal.
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Option (C): H2O+CH3OH (water + methanol)
Both are strongly hydrogen-bonded. However, water’s hydrogen-bond network is more structured than methanol’s. When mixed, the interactions are not identical — there is a significant enthalpy change and volume contraction. This mixture shows positive deviation and is far from ideal.
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Option (D): n−C6H14+n−C7H16 (n-hexane + n-heptane) …
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