Solution
Definition and meaning of Solution in chemistry.
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, where one substance is completely dispersed and dissolved in another.
In more detail
The substance present in the largest overall amount, which acts to dissolve the other components, is called the solvent, while the substance being actively dissolved is the solute. Because solutions are truly homogeneous at the molecular level, their chemical composition and physical properties remain uniform throughout the entire mixture. While often thought of as liquids, solutions can actually exist in any phase, including solid metal alloys, gaseous mixtures like breathable air, and typical aqueous liquid solutions.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Components | Solute and solvent |
| Formula Example | NaCl |
When granular sodium chloride (NaCl) is stirred thoroughly into water, it completely dissolves to form an aqueous liquid solution where the salt ions are uniformly distributed among the water molecules.
Frequently asked questions
What is an aqueous solution?
An aqueous solution is a solution in which water acts as the solvent.
Can a solution be separated by filtration?
No, the dissolved solute particles are too small to be separated by simple physical filtration.