Buffer
A solution which tends to maintain a constant pH when excess acid or base is added.
Concentrated
For some commonly used acids and bases, the maximum solubility (at room temperature) in an aqueous solution or as a pure liquid.
Concentration
The relative amount of solute and solvent in a solution.
Hydrates
Compounds containing water chemically combined in a definite ratio. Computations using formula weight must take the water molecules into account.
Miscible
The ability of two liquids to be completely soluble in one another.
Molality
A concentration unit (m); defined as the number of moles of solute divided by the number of kilograms of solvent.
Molar Mass
The mass of a mole of any element or compound.
Molarity
A concentration unit (M); defined as the number of moles of solute divided by liters of solution.
Normality
A concentration unit (N); defined as the number of equivalents of solute per liter of solution. (e.g., 1 M H2SO4 = 2 N H2SO4).
Saturated Solution
A solution that contains the maximum amount of a particular solute that will dissolve at that temperature.
Solute
The substance which is dissolved, or has gone into solution (typically a solid).
Solution
A uniform homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The individual substances may be present in varying amounts.
Solvent
The substance which does the dissolving (typically a liquid, such as water or alcohol). Must be greater than 50% of the solution.
Standard Solution
A very precise solution, usually to 3–4 significant figures, used in quantitative analysis or an analytical procedure.
Supersaturated Solution
A solution that contains more solute than equilibrium conditions allow; it is unstable and the solute may precipitate upon slight agitation or addition of a single crystal.
