What is solubility?

Solubility is defined as the ability of a substance, known as a solute, to dissolve in another substance, referred to as the solvent, to form a homogeneous solution at a specified temperature and pressure. This concept is essential in various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science, as it helps to understand how different materials interact, particularly in processes involving liquids.

For example, when salt is added to water, it dissolves, demonstrating solubility. Factors such as temperature and pressure can affect how much solute can dissolve in a solvent, which is crucial in various applications like chemical reactions, pharmaceuticals, and environmental studies. Understanding solubility is foundational for topics such as solution concentration, saturation levels, and the behavior of substances under different conditions, making it a vital area of knowledge for many practical applications.