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

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

1 answer

To increase the solubility of a solute, the following options apply:

a. increasing the surface area of the solute - This allows more solute particles to be in contact with the solvent, facilitating dissolution.

b. heating the solution - For most solids, increasing temperature increases solubility. However, for gases, solubility typically decreases with increased temperature.

d. stirring the solution - Stirring helps distribute the solute and solvent more evenly, which can enhance the rate of dissolution.

So, the correct answers are a, b, and d.

Options c (cooling the solution) and e (decreasing the surface area of the solute) would generally not increase solubility. Cooling tends to decrease the solubility of solids, and decreasing surface area slows down the dissolution process.