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

cooling the solution
increasing the surface area of the solute stirring the solution heating the solution
decreasing the surface area of the solute

1 answer

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

  1. Cooling the solution: This generally decreases the solubility of most solutes, particularly solids in liquids. (Not applicable)

  2. Increasing the surface area of the solute: This increases the rate of dissolution, leading to more solute dissolving eventually. (Applicable)

  3. Stirring the solution: Stirring increases the contact between the solute and solvent, which generally increases the rate of dissolution. (Applicable)

  4. Heating the solution: For most solids, heating the solution increases solubility, while for gases it's the opposite. (Applicable for solids)

  5. Decreasing the surface area of the solute: This would slow down dissolution and not increase solubility. (Not applicable)

Based on this analysis, the options that will increase the solubility of a solute are:

  • Increasing the surface area of the solute
  • Stirring the solution
  • Heating the solution (for solids)