What Are the Nine Types of Solutions Based on Solute and Solvent?
A fundamental concept in Chemistry, the types of solutions help JEE Main students distinguish how substances mix at the molecular level. Understanding solution types is essential because it forms the foundation for questions on solubility, concentration, and colligative properties. In JEE Main, you’ll see problems on classifying solutions, identifying phase combinations, and applying these ideas to real-life and theoretical cases.
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more chemically non-reacting substances. The substance present in a larger amount is called the solvent and the one in a lesser amount is the solute. For JEE Main, knowing both structural and compositional aspects of solutions is vital, as the classification is the basis for many chemistry calculations and phenomenon explanations.
Classification of Types of Solutions: Physical State Combinations
In Chemistry, nine different types of solutions are formed by various phase combinations of solute and solvent—solid, liquid, or gas. This classification is frequently tested in JEE and is key to understanding how matter behaves at the molecular level.
| Solute State | Solvent State | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Gas | Air (O2 in N2) |
| Liquid | Gas | Water vapour in air (humidity) |
| Solid | Gas | Camphor vapours in N2 |
| Gas | Liquid | CO2 in water (aerated drinks) |
| Liquid | Liquid | Ethanol in water |
| Solid | Liquid | Sugar in water |
| Gas | Solid | H2 in palladium |
| Liquid | Solid | Amalgam (Hg in Na) |
| Solid | Solid | Gold alloy (Cu/Ag in Au) |
Recognising these nine solution types, especially with correct examples, will help you quickly classify answers in JEE Main objectives. Always remember: the phase of the solvent is the phase of the resulting solution.
Types of Solutions by Concentration: Saturated, Unsaturated, Supersaturated
Apart from physical state, solutions are also classified by amount of solute dissolved at a given temperature. For JEE Main and standard textbooks, these are:
- Unsaturated solution: Contains less solute than the solvent can dissolve at that temperature. More solute can be added and will dissolve.
- Saturated solution: Contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at that temperature. Any additional solute remains undissolved.
- Supersaturated solution: Contains more solute than a saturated solution at the same temperature, usually formed by careful cooling. These are unstable; excess solute readily precipitates.
Questions on “three types of solutions” or “saturated/unsaturated/supersaturated” are common in the JEE Main Chemistry section. Always relate these definitions strictly to the solvent’s solubility at fixed temperature and pressure.
Key Examples and Real-Life Applications of Types of Solutions
Practicing application-based questions on the types of solutions in chemistry provides a strong edge in exams. Here are familiar examples matched with solution type:
- Sugar dissolved in water (solid in liquid): standard laboratory solution.
- CO2 in soft drinks (gas in liquid): example of gas solubility under pressure.
- Air (gas in gas): major constituent gases forming an ideal solution.
- Saltwater (solid in liquid): ocean or saline solutions.
- Brass (solid in solid): alloy of copper and zinc.
- Ethanol in water (liquid in liquid): important in pharmaceuticals and spirit formation.
- H2 in palladium (gas in solid): used for hydrogen storage in industry.
Learning to recognise the solute and solvent in these contexts makes it much easier to answer real-world JEE Main Chemistry MCQs.
Quick Revision: Comparison Table for All Solution Types
| Type | Solute | Solvent | Iconic Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas in Gas | O2 | N2 | Air |
| Liquid in Liquid | Ethanol | Water | Ethanol-water mixture |
| Solid in Liquid | NaCl | Water | Saltwater |
| Solid in Solid | Zn | Cu | Brass |
Review this table before mock tests or last-minute revision for immediate recall of types of solution examples. It helps clarify phase combinations and expected JEE patterns.
Exam Significance and JEE Main Question Types
JEE Main often features direct MCQs and numericals based on the classification of solutions. Typical question patterns include:
- Identify the type of solution when given solute and solvent phases.
- Classify an everyday mixture as homogeneous solution or not.
- Solve for maximum solubility or compare saturation limits at two temperatures.
- Explain differences between saturated and supersaturated solutions with reasoning.
- Answer true/false on properties specific to concentration types (e.g., supersaturated equals unstable).
- Choose the correct example for a given solution type or phase pair.
These questions can be single-correct MCQs, assertion-reason, or briefly structured numericals. Reviewing solution questions from previous JEE Main tests is recommended for concept mastery.
Additional Insights: Related Classifications and Tips
Apart from the classic types of solutions in chemistry, JEE Main might include related topics:
- Ideal and non-ideal solutions: Degree to which real mixtures follow Raoult’s law.
- Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous: Only homogeneous mixtures are true solutions, a common trap in MCQs.
- Difference between true solutions, suspensions, and colloids—see the surface chemistry notes for quick reference.
- Concentration terms: Learn molarity, molality, and mole fraction for calculation problems.
- Beware: the phase of solvent always dictates the phase of the solution—not the solute.
For advanced revision, Vedantu’s curated Chemistry practice papers and revision notes provide topic-wise MCQs for solutions and related classifications.
Summary: Mastering Types of Solutions in Chemistry for JEE Main
Types of solutions form the backbone of many JEE Main Chemistry chapters, including solutions, colligative properties, and surface chemistry. Focus on the nine physical phase combinations and the three-by-concentration types (saturated/unsaturated/supersaturated). Know typical real-life and exam-centric examples for each. Practice quick identification, use summary tables, and regularly attempt mock questions from reliable platforms. For detailed explanations, turn to Vedantu’s main solutions chapter and allied Chemistry resources.
FAQs on Types of Solutions in Chemistry: Classification and Examples
1. What are the three main types of solutions in chemistry?
Saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions are the main types of solutions based on concentration.
• Unsaturated Solution: Contains less solute than possible at a given temperature.
• Saturated Solution: Contains the maximum solute dissolved at a specific temperature.
• Supersaturated Solution: Contains more solute than normally possible at a given temperature, making it unstable.
Students should understand these definitions to answer chemistry exam and JEE questions about solution classification.
2. What are the nine types of solutions based on physical state?
Solutions in chemistry can be classified by the physical states of solute and solvent, resulting in nine main types:
1. Gas in Gas (e.g., Air)
2. Gas in Liquid (e.g., Carbonated drinks)
3. Gas in Solid (e.g., Hydrogen in palladium)
4. Liquid in Gas (e.g., Water vapor in air)
5. Liquid in Liquid (e.g., Alcohol in water)
6. Liquid in Solid (e.g., Amalgam of mercury in sodium)
7. Solid in Gas (e.g., Camphor in air)
8. Solid in Liquid (e.g., Salt dissolved in water)
9. Solid in Solid (e.g., Alloys like bronze)
This table is important for Class 11, 12, and competitive exams like JEE.
3. Can you give five real-life examples of solutions?
Yes, common real-life examples of solutions include:
• Salt water (solid in liquid)
• Air (gas in gas)
• Sugar in tea (solid in liquid)
• Soft drinks (gas in liquid)
• Alloys like brass (solid in solid)
Understanding these everyday examples helps connect chemistry concepts to daily life and exam applications.
4. How are saturated and supersaturated solutions different?
A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at a fixed temperature, while a supersaturated solution holds more solute than normally possible, making it unstable.
• Saturated: No more solute dissolves; extra solute settles at the bottom.
• Supersaturated: Extra solute remains dissolved temporarily but can precipitate easily if disturbed.
These types often appear in both CBSE board and JEE exams.
5. Which types of solutions are present in our daily life?
Everyday life involves multiple types of solutions:
• Gas in gas: Air (oxygen in nitrogen)
• Solid in liquid: Salt or sugar in water
• Liquid in liquid: Vinegar in water
• Solid in solid: Alloys like steel
• Gas in liquid: Carbonated water
Recognizing these helps in application-based questions in Class 12 Chemistry and JEE exams.
6. What are five examples of solutions?
Five well-known solutions with types are:
1. Salt in water – Solid in liquid
2. Air – Gas in gas
3. Soda water – Gas in liquid
4. Alcohol in water – Liquid in liquid
5. Brass (alloy) – Solid in solid
These examples are often used in JEE Main and CBSE board exams to test understanding of solution types.
7. What types of questions on solutions are asked in JEE Main?
JEE Main often asks about classification, examples, and properties of solutions. Typical questions include:
• Classifying types of solutions by physical states
• Difference between saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated solutions
• Identifying real-life examples
• Calculating concentration and applying formulas
Reviewing past year questions and solving MCQs on classification improves exam readiness.
8. Is a suspension or colloid considered a type of solution?
No, suspensions and colloids are not true solutions.
• True solutions: Homogeneous, particle size less than 1 nm.
• Colloids: Heterogeneous, particle size 1–1000 nm.
• Suspensions: Heterogeneous, particles larger than 1000 nm.
Understanding these differences is key for exams.
9. Can gas in gas be called a solution, and why?
Yes, a gas in gas mixture like air is a classic example of a solution.
• All gases in air (mainly nitrogen and oxygen) are evenly mixed.
• The mixture is homogeneous, so it fits the definition of a solution.
• This concept is often tested in board and competitive chemistry exams.
10. Does the solvent always determine the solution's phase?
Yes, the physical state of the solvent dictates the phase of the resulting solution.
• If the solvent is liquid, the solution is liquid (e.g., saltwater).
• If the solvent is gas, the solution is gaseous (e.g., air).
• If the solvent is solid, the solution is solid (e.g., alloys).
This is a standard rule in the classification of solutions for CBSE and competitive exams.
11. How can I easily distinguish solution types in numericals?
To distinguish solution types in numerical questions:
• Identify the solvent's physical state – the solution matches this phase.
• Look for the solute's phase (solid, liquid, or gas).
• Use provided examples or chemical names to determine the classification.
Practice tables and example questions to build this exam skill.
