Solution (chemistry)

Solution (chemistry) is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In such a mixture, a solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically distinct liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution.

Overview

A solution is a special type of homogeneous mixture. The mixing process of a solution happens at a scale where the effects of chemical polarity are involved, resulting in interactions that are specific to solvation. The solution assumes the phase of the solvent when the solvent is the larger fraction of the mixture, as is commonly the case.

Types of Solutions

Solutions can be categorized into several components. They are:

• Solid solutions: These are solutions in which the solute is a solid. Examples include alloys like brass or bronze.
• Liquid solutions: These are solutions where the solvent is a liquid. An example is a mixture of water and ethanol.
• Gaseous solutions: These are solutions where the solvent is a gas. An example is air (oxygen and other gases dissolved in nitrogen).

Properties of Solutions

Solutions have several properties, including:

• Saturation: A solution that can dissolve no more solute at a given temperature is said to be saturated.
• Supersaturation: A solution that contains more solute than can theoretically be dissolved at a given temperature is said to be supersaturated.
• Concentration: The amount of a particular substance in a given quantity of a mixture, solution, or ore is known as concentration.

See Also

• Suspension (chemistry)
• Colloid
• Emulsion