INSOLUBILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Insolubility is a term used in chemistry to describe the inability of a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent. It refers to the characteristic of a substance that does not readily mix or form a solution when added to a specific liquid. The substance that remains undissolved is referred to as insoluble.
In order for a substance to dissolve, its molecules need to mix and become dispersed throughout a liquid, establishing a homogenous mixture called a solution. However, in the case of insolubility, the forces holding the substance's molecules together are stronger than the forces exerted by the solvent molecules, preventing the substance from dissolving.
Insolubility can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solvent and solute. For example, some substances may be insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol or benzene.
These insoluble substances often form suspensions or precipitates when added to a liquid, settling at the bottom or floating on the surface. Precipitations are solid particles dispersed in a liquid that have separated out from a solution due to their insolubility.
Insolubility has practical implications in many fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental sciences, and material science. It helps researchers understand the separation, purification, extractive processes, and the behavior of substances when they interact with various solvents.
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Quality of not being soluble.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INSOLUBILITY
Etymology of INSOLUBILITY
The word insolubility has a Latin etymology. It can be broken down into two Latin roots: in- which means not, and solubilis which means able to be dissolved. Thus, insolubility literally means not able to be dissolved.
Similar spelling words for INSOLUBILITY
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