What is the definition of solubility in chemistry?

Solubility in chemistry refers specifically to the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture known as a solution. This concept is critical in understanding how different substances interact and the conditions that facilitate or hinder dissolution. Solubility is often quantified, commonly expressed as the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure.

In contrast, the amount of solute added to a solution focuses more on the quantity rather than the characteristic of dissolving. The process of evaporating a solution pertains to removing the solvent, which could lead to increased concentration of solute but does not directly define how much solute can dissolve. Lastly, the boiling temperature of a solution refers to a physical property of the mixture rather than its capacity to allow solutes to dissolve. Thus, knowing that solubility concerns the capacity of solutes to integrate into solvents is essential for a deeper understanding of chemical solutions.