NCERT Class 8 Science Curiosity: Chapter 9 — The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions
This chapter, "The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions," from NCERT's Class 8 Science Curiosity textbook, delves into the concepts of mixtures, solutions, solutes, and solvents. It begins by posing intriguing questions about everyday phenomena like dissolving sugar in tea and the properties of ORS. The chapter distinguishes between uniform (solutions) and non-uniform mixtures, using examples like salt and water versus chalk powder and water. It defines solute as the substance that dissolves, solvent as the substance that does the dissolving, and solution as the resulting uniform mixture. The text also touches upon solutions formed by mixing two liquids and briefly considers whether air, a mixture of gases, can be considered a solution. This chapter aims to build a foundational understanding of chemical mixtures crucial for CBSE science learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 258 |
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate between uniform and non-uniform mixtures.
- Define and identify solute, solvent, and solution.
- Understand the role of solute and solvent in forming a solution.
- Recognize examples of solutions in everyday life.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solute | The component of a solution that is dissolved in the solvent. |
| Solvent | The component of a solution that dissolves the solute. |
| Solution | A uniform mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent. |
| Uniform mixture | A mixture where the components are evenly distributed throughout. |
| Non-uniform mixture | A mixture where the components are not evenly distributed. |
| Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) | A solution used to treat dehydration by keeping the body hydrated. |
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Practice questions
- What is a solution? Answer: A solution is a uniform mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent.
- Identify the solute and solvent in a salt and water mixture. Answer: Salt is the solute, and water is the solvent.
- Give an example of a non-uniform mixture. Answer: A mixture of chalk powder and water is a non-uniform mixture.
- What is the difference between a solute and a solvent? Answer: The solute is the substance that dissolves, and the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving.
Frequently asked questions
What is a solution in science?
A solution is a uniform mixture where one substance (solute) is completely dissolved in another substance (solvent).
What is the difference between a solute and a solvent?
The solute is the substance that gets dissolved, and the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving. For example, in salt water, salt is the solute and water is the solvent.
What is an example of a uniform mixture?
A mixture of salt and water, or sugar and water, forms a uniform mixture, which is called a solution.
What is a non-uniform mixture?
A non-uniform mixture is one where the components are not evenly distributed, such as chalk powder mixed with water.
Why is ORS important?
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is used to treat dehydration by keeping the body hydrated.
Can gases form solutions?
The chapter suggests that a mixture of gases, like air, might also be considered a solution, indicating that solutions can involve different states of matter.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Curiosity — Chapter 9 — The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.