What is the Difference Between Solubility and Dissolution?

The main difference between solubility and dissolution lies in their definitions and the factors they depend on:

• Solubility refers to the maximum concentration of a solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature. It is a thermodynamic property, and its units are typically measured in mol/L or g/L. Solubility depends on various factors such as the concentration of the solute, the temperature of the system, pressure (for gases in solution), and the polarity of the solute and the solvent.
• Dissolution is the process where a solute in gaseous, liquid, or solid phase dissolves in a solvent to form a solution. It is a kinetic process, meaning it involves a rate at which the solute dissolves in the solvent. Dissolution depends on factors like mechanical mixing, the nature of the solvent and solute, and the mass of the solute.

In summary:

• Solubility is the maximum concentration of a solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature, and it is a thermodynamic property.
• Dissolution is the process where a solute dissolves in a solvent to form a solution, and it is a kinetic process.

Comparative Table: Solubility vs Dissolution

The difference between solubility and dissolution can be understood by examining their definitions, characteristics, and the factors that affect them. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

In summary, solubility refers to the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given solvent at a specific temperature, while dissolution is the process by which a solute interacts with and becomes dissolved in a solvent due to an attraction and association of molecules. Solubility is a thermodynamic property, whereas dissolution is a kinetic process.