Solubility of most solids increases with temperature while that of gases decreases.
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The effect of temperature on solubility depends on whether dissolving absorbs or releases heat. For most solid solutes, dissolution is endothermic, so solubility increases with temperature and hot solutions can hold more solute. For gases, dissolution is exothermic, so solubility decreases as the temperature rises, because the gas molecules gain energy and escape from the liquid. This is why warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. Thermal pollution from industrial discharge can therefore reduce dissolved oxygen in rivers and harm aquatic life.
Key ideas: Use solubility curves: KNO3 rises from about 13 g per 100 g water at 0 C to 247 at 100 C, while NaCl barely changes, and Ce2(SO4)3 decreases with temperature. Le Chatelier: if dissolving absorbs heat, heating favours it. Recrystallization purifies compounds by dissolving hot and cooling.
Common mistakes and connections: Students generalize that all solids are more soluble when hot, which fails for exothermic dissolvers such as Li2CO3. Another error is expecting a warm drink to hold more gas. Solubility of gases drops with temperature, which stresses fish in warm water. Links to Le Chatelier's principle, enthalpy of solution and Henry's law.
Most solids dissolve more at high temperature, whereas gases dissolve less, which is why warm water holds less oxygen. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Sugar dissolves more readily in hot tea than in cold tea, whereas a warm soft drink loses its fizz faster than a cold one.
Solubility of most solids increases with temperature while that of gases decreases.
Temperature and Solubility is a intermediate topic in States of Matter & Solutions. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
Study these earlier topics in States of Matter & Solutions first: Normality, Dilution, Henry's Law.
The next topics in States of Matter & Solutions are Raoult's Law and Ideal and Non-ideal Solutions.
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Temperature and Solubility, and the States of Matter & Solutions quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Temperature and Solubility is topic 83 of 109 in States of Matter & Solutions.