Which statement best describes how solubility can change with temperature?

Which statement best describes how solubility can change with temperature?

• A. Solubility never changes with temperature.
• B. Solubility depends only on pressure.
• C. Solubility is determined by the rate of dissolution.
• D. Solubility can vary with temperature.

Answer: (D)

Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature. Temperature shifts the balance between the dissolved and undissolved portions because dissolving can absorb or release heat. For many solid solutes, raising the temperature increases solubility, allowing more solute to dissolve (examples include sugar or potassium nitrate in water when it's warm). For gases, higher temperature usually lowers solubility, since the dissolved gas tends to escape as the solution gets warmer. The rate at which dissolution occurs describes how fast it happens, not how much can be dissolved at equilibrium, so solubility isn’t determined by rate. Pressure mainly affects gases, not solids, so claiming solubility depends only on pressure isn’t correct. Overall, solubility can vary with temperature, which is why that statement is the best description.

Solubility is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature. Temperature shifts the balance between the dissolved and undissolved portions because dissolving can absorb or release heat. For many solid solutes, raising the temperature increases solubility, allowing more solute to dissolve (examples include sugar or potassium nitrate in water when it's warm). For gases, higher temperature usually lowers solubility, since the dissolved gas tends to escape as the solution gets warmer. The rate at which dissolution occurs describes how fast it happens, not how much can be dissolved at equilibrium, so solubility isn’t determined by rate. Pressure mainly affects gases, not solids, so claiming solubility depends only on pressure isn’t correct. Overall, solubility can vary with temperature, which is why that statement is the best description.