Key Concepts: Factors Affecting Solubility

Core Definitions

• Like Dissolves Like: Polar solvents dissolve polar/ionic solutes; nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.
• Temperature Effect: Increasing temperature usually increases solubility of solids but decreases solubility of gases.
• Pressure Effect: Increasing pressure increases solubility of gases (Henry's Law) but has little effect on solids/liquids.
• Surface Area & Agitation: Crushing solute and stirring increases the rate of dissolving (not solubility itself).