What does it mean if a substance is soluble?

A substance is described as soluble when it can dissolve in a solvent, typically water. This means that when the substance is mixed with the solvent, it breaks down into smaller particles that become evenly distributed within the solvent, resulting in a homogeneous solution. Solubility is an important property in various fields, including chemistry and environmental science, as it affects how substances behave in different conditions, how they can be used in reactions, and their impact on the environment. The concept of solubility is fundamental in understanding processes like filtration, chemical reactions, and the behavior of substances in biological systems.