To measure the solubility of KNO 3 at various temperatures and to construct a solubility curve. Background A solution is composed of a substance called the solute dissolved in another substance called the solvent. A substance that is a solid, a liquid, or a gas, may be a solute or a solvent. A solution forms when the attractive forces between the solute and the solvent are similar.
Some solutions form quickly and others form slowly.
The rate depends upon several factors including size of solute, shaking or stirring, or heat. When a solution holds a maximum amount of solute at a certain temperature, it is said to be saturated. Any excess solute appears as a solid in the container. Generally, heating the solution can increase the amount of solute that dissolves. Most solids are more soluble in water at higher temperatures.