The process of a solvent evaporating from a solution and leaving behind the solute is a classic example of separation in mixtures. Here’s a breakdown of why this occurrence supports the understanding of mixtures:
- A) Distillation is a separation method that uses evaporation: This is true and highlights the principle of separating components in a mixture based on their boiling points. In distillation, the solvent is converted to vapor through heating, while the solute remains in the container, illustrating how mixtures can be separated through physical processes.
- B) The solute does not evaporate because it is heavy: This statement can be misleading. While it’s true that many solutes have higher boiling points and don’t evaporate easily compared to solvents, the classification of a solution as a mixture is not solely based on weight. The key takeaway is that solutes typically have a different volatility than solvents, and that’s why they remain in the solution when the solvent evaporates.
- C) The solvent: This option seems incomplete, but it’s important to recognize that the presence of both a solvent and a solute defines a solution as a mixture. A mixture is composed of two or more substances that retain their individual properties, and in this case, while the solvent evaporates, the solute retains its characteristics.
In summary, the evaporation of the solvent leaving behind the solute exemplifies the nature of mixtures, as it shows how individual components can be separated through physical changes without altering their inherent properties.