Dissolving a mixture

In a nutshell

Dissolving is when solutes mix with a solvent to give a solution.

Definitions

What happens during dissolving?

When you add a solute to a solvent the bonds in solute particles can sometimes break. These solute particles go onto interact and 'mix' with the solvent particles, forming a solution.

The solute does not vanish - it is still there. This can be confirmed by evaporating the solvent and what you will find is the solute left behind. 

Example

Add $$10\,g$$​ of sugar (solute) to $$100\,g$$​ of water (solvent). You will form a solution with a mass of $$110\,g$$. There is no reduction in mass.

Solubility

Increasing the temperature leads to more solute dissolving in the solvent. This is because the particles will have a greater kinetic energy, therefore able to dissolve easily.

Keep in mind that certain solutes will not dissolve in certain solvents.

Example

Salt does not dissolve in petrol.