What is a Solution?
Mixtures, homogeneity, and why the Dead Sea lets you float
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances mixed at the molecular or ionic level. The key word is homogeneous — the composition and properties are uniform throughout every part of the solution.
Every solution has two components:
- Solute — the substance present in smaller quantity (can be solid, liquid, or gas)
- Solvent — the substance present in larger quantity; it determines the phase of the solution
When the solvent is water, the solution is called an aqueous solution.
Is It a Solution?
Three tests distinguish a true solution from other mixtures:
- Transparent — light passes through without scattering (unlike colloidal milk or muddy water)
- Stable — components do not settle on standing, ever
- Cannot be filtered — particles are at the atomic/ionic/molecular scale (< 1 nm)
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances mixed at the molecular or ionic level. The key word is homogeneous — the composition and properties are uniform throughout every part of the solution.
Every solution has two components:
- Solute — the substance present in smaller quantity (can be solid, liquid, or gas)
- Solvent — the substance present in larger quantity; it determines the phase of the solution
When the solvent is water, the solution is called an aqueous solution.
Is It a Solution?
Three tests distinguish a true solution from other mixtures:
- Transparent — light passes through without scattering (unlike colloidal milk or muddy water)
- Stable — components do not settle on standing, ever
- Cannot be filtered — particles are at the atomic/ionic/molecular scale (< 1 nm)
