Aqueous solution

Aqueous Solution

An aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is water. It is usually shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. The word aqueous (which comes from Latin aqua) means pertaining to, related to, similar to, or dissolved in, water. As water is an excellent solvent and is also naturally abundant, it is a ubiquitous solvent in chemistry.

Characteristics

Aqueous solutions have several characteristics that distinguish them from other types of solutions. They are able to conduct electricity, have a high dielectric constant, and can dissolve a wide variety of substances including acids, bases, salts, and organic compounds.

Chemical Reactions

Many chemical reactions occur in aqueous solutions. This includes acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and precipitation reactions. Solubility of the substances in water plays a crucial role in the reaction rates of these reactions.

Applications

Aqueous solutions are used in a wide range of applications including chemical synthesis, material science, pharmaceuticals, and food science. In biological systems, most of the chemical reactions occur in aqueous solutions.

See Also

• Solvent
• Solution
• Chemical reaction
• Acid-base reaction
• Redox reaction
• Precipitation reaction