HAZMAT Technician Practice Exam

How is solubility defined?

1. The rate at which a solid is absorbed into a liquid

2. The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and pressure

3. The process of mixing two solids together

4. The concentration of a solute in a solvent

The correct answer is: The ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and pressure

Solubility is defined as the ability of one substance to dissolve in another at a given temperature and pressure. This concept is fundamental in chemistry and determines how substances interact with each other in solutions. The degree to which a solute can dissolve in a solvent can vary with temperature, pressure, and the nature of the substances involved. For example, salt readily dissolves in water, while oil does not, illustrating how solubility is dependent on the properties of the involved substances and their conditions. The other choices reflect concepts related to solutions but do not define solubility accurately. The first option focuses on the rate of absorption rather than the capacity for one substance to dissolve in another. The third choice refers to mixing two solids, which is a different process entirely and does not involve solubility in the context of a solvent and solute. The fourth option mentions concentration, which relates to the amount of solute in a solvent but does not encompass the broader definition of solubility itself. Thus, the correct understanding of solubility is captured in the definition provided in the second option.