Mixtures & Solutions

Separate mixtures and dissolve solutes to explore solubility

A mixture is made of two or more substances combined together, but each substance keeps its own properties. A solution is a special mixture where one substance (the solute) dissolves completely in another (the solvent) so you cannot see the separate parts. Salt water is a solution — the salt disappears into the water. Sand in water is a mixture — you can still see the grains. Temperature affects solubility: warmer water usually dissolves more solute because the water molecules move faster and break apart the solute more quickly.