(a) Define the solution.
Final Answer
A solution is a homogeneous mixture where a solute is completely dissolved in a solvent. Solutions can exist in solid, liquid, or gas phases and have uniform composition. They are important in many scientific and industrial applications.
Explanation
A solution is defined as a homogeneous mixture where a solute is uniformly dissolved in a solvent. This means that the mixture has a consistent composition throughout, and the different components cannot be easily distinguished from one another.
Components: In a solution, the major component is called the solvent, while the minor component is referred to as the solute. For example, when salt (solute) is dissolved in water (solvent), the resulting mixture is a saltwater solution.
Types of Solutions: Solutions can exist in different phases. They can be solid (like alloys), liquid (like sugar dissolved in water), or gas (like air, which is a mixture of gases).
Characteristics: Key characteristics of solutions include:
They have a uniform composition at all points.
The solute particles are dispersed on a molecular scale and are typically less than 1 nanometer in size.
They do not separate over time and remain stable.
In most cases, they are transparent.
Importance: Solutions play a vital role in many scientific and industrial processes. They are essential in chemical reactions, medical formulations, and various products in everyday life, such as beverages and cleaning solutions.
To visualize this, consider mixing powdered sugar in water: once the sugar dissolves, you can’t see the sugar particles anymore, but they are evenly distributed throughout the water, demonstrating the characteristics of a solution.
Examples & Evidence
An example of a solution is saltwater, where salt is the solute, and water is the solvent, resulting in a mixture that has the same composition throughout. Another example is air, which is a gaseous solution of various gases including nitrogen and oxygen.
The definition of a solution and its properties can be found in introductory chemistry textbooks, which explain the concepts of solute, solvent, and homogeneous mixtures.
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