How to increase solute in solvent

How to know one mixture from another

When using water as the only solvent

The methods of increasing the solute concentration with water as the solvent include evaporation, time, dissolving more solute, and sometimes pressure.

Evaporation

With heat you can evaporate some water which will increase the concentration of solute in the water. Do not degrade the solute with excessive heat. Make sure to take container weight, beginning solution weight and ending solution weight into accurate consideration.

Time

If the ingredients allow you may allow the solution to sit in an open container which can increase the solute concentration through evaporation without heat. The stability of the ingredients against micro organisms, bacteria, and any other potential contaminants needs to be confirmed and absolute before using this method. Using the fridge to increase stability is an option as needed.

Dissolve More Solute

Increasing the temperature can increase the solubility of certain heat sensitive ingredients without degradation of quality or being solely concerned with evaporation of the solvent (in this case water).

Stirring or Agitation

Stirring the solution can help dissolve more solute by increasing the interaction between solute and solvent molecules. This is similar to exciting water molecules in a microwave (how the microwave heats food) and also creates a smoother more stable solution when done properly.

Pressure

Certain solutes will increase their solubility though often less common for solids in water.

Example

Start with water and steadily add a solute while stirring with heat. Gradually increase the heat while adding more solute to increase the concentration.

Things to think about

• Every solute will eventually max out in a given solvent at a certain temperature.
• Heat can degrade the stability of solute so it is important to know the heat capacity
• Physical properties of the solute effect how it will respond to heat or pressure