An Introduction to True Solution
A clear, homogeneous mixture of a solute and a solvent having a particle size of <1nm is called a true solution. Solute and solvent in a true solution are completely dissolved. They cannot be passed through filter paper and even cannot be seen through a microscope. Solute and solvent are the components of a true solution and a uniform mixture.
Both the Tyndall effect and the Brownian movement can not be observed in a true solution. The solution is transparent and solute particles do not settle down because of their very small size. The particles of solute in the true solution do not settle down. This makes it different from the colloidal solution. Example- solution of sugar and salt in water.
What is a True Solution?
When a solute and solvent are mixed together homogeneously, this type of mixture is known as a true solution. It has a particle size of <1nm. It is a homogenous mixture of solute and solvent. In a true solution, both solute and solvent pass through the filter paper. A true solution does not scatter light, that is, it does not show the Tyndall effect. Filtration cannot separate the particles. Hence, it is a uniform solution throughout. Due to homogeneity, the particles of solute do not settle down. It is a clear and transparent solution.
Components of True Solution
There are two main components of the solution. These are as follows:
Solute - It is that part of a solution that is dissolved in the solvent.
Solvent - It is that part of the solution in which solute dissolves. It defines the phase of solution and it is in larger quantities than solute.
Difference between True Solutions and Colloidal Solutions
A true solution is a homogenous mixture of solute and solvent, whereas a colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture in which solute remains suspended in a solvent.
The size of particles in a true solution is <1 nm, whereas in a colloidal solution, the size ranges from 1 nm to 100 nm.
In a true solution, the Brownian effect cannot be observed, whereas it can be observed in a colloidal solution.
Particles cannot be seen even with a microscope in true solution, whereas particles in colloidal solution can be observed with a microscope.
True solutions do not show the Tyndall effect whereas colloidal solutions show.
Properties and Characteristics of True Solution
Are you aware which properties are characteristic of true solutions? The following points discuss the properties and characteristics of true solutions.
The true solution is a homogeneous mixture.
The particles cannot be seen through the naked eye or a microscope.
The particles of the solution easily pass through the filter paper, and hence it is impossible to separate them.
It has only one phase.
The physical and chemical properties such as melting and boiling point of a true solution change when other substances are added to it.
What is the Real Solution?
The real solution definition states that it is a homogeneous mixture of at least two chemical substances. The real solution is clear and particles are evenly distributed in the solvent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have learnt that a true solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The solute completely dissolves in solvent and forms a colourless, transparent solution. The particle size of a true solution is 1nm. An example of a true solution can be salt or sugar solution in water. The types of true solutions are based on various factors.
The properties of the true solution make it different from suspension and colloidal solutions. The solute and solvent of the true solution do not settle down at the bottom. Therefore, the light completely passes through it. That is, it does not show Tyndall or Rayleigh’s effect. Brownian motion is also not observed in true solution. The particles are so small that they cannot be observed by the naked eye.
FAQs on True Solution
1. What is the Tyndall effect?
Also called the Tyndall phenomenon, the Tyndall effect is a scattering of a beam of light by small suspended particles in a medium. According to the Rayleigh scattering experiment, blue light because of its short wavelength scatters more strongly than red light. True solutions do not show this effect whereas it can be seen in colloidal solutions. Therefore, it can be used to verify if a solution is a colloid or not. A beam of light passes through the true solution whereas the colloidal particles of the solution do not allow the light to pass through completely.
2. What are the various types of true solutions?
There are various types of true solutions that are based on different factors. These possess the properties of a true solution.
On the basis of water as a solvent, it is the aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
Based on the amount of solute added, it is of three types that are unsaturated, saturated, and supersaturated.
Concentrated and dilute solution on basis of solvent added.
On the basis of solute concentration in two solutions, it is an isotonic solution, hypertonic solution, and hypotonic solution.
3. What is a colloidal solution?
The term colloid is derived from the Greek word ‘kola’ which means glue-like. It is a type of heterogeneous solution in which particle size ranges from 1 nm - 1000 nm. It is a mixture in which substances are suspended uniformly in a fluid. A colloid has a dispersed phase and a continuous phase. The particles of colloids can not be separated through filtration. The particles do not settle down. It also shows the Tyndall effect because of the suspension of particles. Example- protein water.
