Difference between revisions of "Concentration"
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
com- + [[Latin]] centrum [[center]] | com- + [[Latin]] centrum [[center]] | ||
− | *Date: [ | + | *Date: [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Century 1641] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
:transitive verb | :transitive verb | ||
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In [[chemistry]], '''concentration''' is the [[measure]] of how much of a given substance there is mixed with another substance. This can apply to any sort of chemical mixture, but most frequently the [[concept]] is limited to [[homogeneous]] solutions, where it refers to the amount of solute in the solvent. | In [[chemistry]], '''concentration''' is the [[measure]] of how much of a given substance there is mixed with another substance. This can apply to any sort of chemical mixture, but most frequently the [[concept]] is limited to [[homogeneous]] solutions, where it refers to the amount of solute in the solvent. | ||
− | To concentrate a solution, one must add more [ | + | To concentrate a solution, one must add more [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solute solute] (e.g. alcohol), or reduce the amount of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvent solvent] (e.g. water). By [[contrast]], to dilute a solution, one must add more solvent, or reduce the amount of solute. |
− | Unless two substances are fully [ | + | Unless two substances are fully [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscible miscible] there exists a concentration at which no further solute will dissolve in a solution. At this point, the solution is said to be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturation_(chemistry) saturated]. If additional solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve (except in certain circumstances, when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supersaturation supersaturation] may occur). Instead, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_(matter)#Phase_separation phase separation] will occur, leading to either coexisting phases or a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(chemistry) suspension]. The point of saturation depends on many variables such as ambient temperature and the precise chemical [[nature]] of the solvent and solute. |
[[Category: Chemistry]] | [[Category: Chemistry]] | ||
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] |
Latest revision as of 23:40, 12 December 2020
Etymology
- Date: 1641
Definitions
- transitive verb
- b : to gather into one body, mass, or force <power was concentrated in a few able hands>
- c : to accumulate (a toxic substance) in bodily tissues <fish concentrate mercury>
- 2 a : to make less dilute <concentrate syrup>
- b : to express or exhibit in condensed form
- intransitive verb
- 1 : to draw toward or meet in a common center
- 2 : gather, collect
- 3 : to focus one's powers, efforts, or attention <concentrate on a problem
Description
In chemistry, concentration is the measure of how much of a given substance there is mixed with another substance. This can apply to any sort of chemical mixture, but most frequently the concept is limited to homogeneous solutions, where it refers to the amount of solute in the solvent.
To concentrate a solution, one must add more solute (e.g. alcohol), or reduce the amount of solvent (e.g. water). By contrast, to dilute a solution, one must add more solvent, or reduce the amount of solute.
Unless two substances are fully miscible there exists a concentration at which no further solute will dissolve in a solution. At this point, the solution is said to be saturated. If additional solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve (except in certain circumstances, when supersaturation may occur). Instead, phase separation will occur, leading to either coexisting phases or a suspension. The point of saturation depends on many variables such as ambient temperature and the precise chemical nature of the solvent and solute.