In what situation does solubility vary for a given solute?

The solubility of a given solute is influenced significantly by changes in temperature and the nature of the solvent. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, which often allows solutes to dissolve more readily in solvents. For example, many solid solutes tend to have increased solubility in water as the temperature rises. Conversely, certain gases are less soluble in liquids at higher temperatures due to decreased interaction between gas molecules and the solvent.

The nature of the solvent is equally important. Different solvents have distinct polarities, boiling points, and molecular interactions, which affect how well a solute can dissolve. For example, ionic compounds typically dissolve well in polar solvents like water but not in nonpolar solvents like hexane. The interactions between solute particles and solvent molecules dictate the solubility behavior as well.

Changes in pressure primarily affect the solubility of gases rather than solids or liquids. Variations in the physical shape of the solute particles can influence the rate of dissolution but do not inherently change the solubility itself. Additionally, the age of the solute is not a relevant factor in solubility, as it does not influence the fundamental chemical properties that determine how a solute interacts with a solvent.