06_Prerequisites
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We know that substances like salt and sugar
dissolve in water.
But what do we actually mean when we say,
solutes dissolve in a solvent.
When a substance is dissolved in a liquid
the solute molecules are accommodated
in the spaces between the solvent molecules.
Let us use an analogy to see the interaction
between solvent and solute molecules.
We need a glass, some marbles, and dry sand.
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This glass is filled with small pieces of marbles,
right up to the top.
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You will see that there are spaces between the marbles.
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Now, add some sand to it
and shake the glass slightly.
You will find that sand seeps through and fills the space
between the marble pieces.
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Observe that
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So, we just saw what we mean when we say,
that solute dissolves in liquid.
The solute molecules move into the spaces
between the solvent molecules.