Dissolution: Understanding the Process of Mixing Solutes and Solvents

Dissolution is the physical process of dissolving a solute in a solvent without any chemical reaction taking place. In the case of gases, their insolubility in liquids can be easily explained. Since gas molecules are far apart, the force of attraction among their own molecules is negligible, and they will also have a negligible force of attraction for liquid solvents. Consequently, gases will have lower solubility in liquid solvents.

However, under certain circumstances, gases can become soluble in liquids, especially at high pressures. As pressure increases, solubility increases as well. Occasionally, the solubility rate of gases in liquids can be rapid due to the chemical reaction between the liquids and gases.

Cohesive forces exist not only among solute molecules but also among solvent molecules. These forces are responsible for keeping the molecules of a substance held together. The dissolution process can only occur if the solvent molecules overcome the cohesive forces among the solute molecules. In other words, the force of attraction between the molecules of solvent and solute must be greater than the force of attraction between the solute's molecules.