Which of the following will increase the solubility of a solute? (Select all that apply)

a
decreasing the surface area of the solute
b
cooling the solution
c
stirring the solution
d
increasing the surface area of the solute
e
heating the solution

multi choice question

1 answer

To determine which options will increase the solubility of a solute, let's briefly analyze each choice:

a. Decreasing the surface area of the solute - This will not increase solubility; instead, it may decrease the rate at which the solute dissolves.

b. Cooling the solution - This typically decreases the solubility of most solids in liquids, so it does not increase solubility.

c. Stirring the solution - Stirring increases the interaction between the solute and solvent, which can aid in dissolving the solute more quickly, although it does not directly increase solubility limits.

d. Increasing the surface area of the solute - This increases the rate at which the solute dissolves because more surface area is available for the solvent to interact with, which can enhance the overall dissolving process.

e. Heating the solution - For many solutes, especially solids in liquids, heating the solution increases solubility.

Based on this analysis, the correct options that can increase solubility are:

  • c. stirring the solution
  • d. increasing the surface area of the solute
  • e. heating the solution