Question

A solution is defined as a:
A. Homogeneous mixture of two or more substances
B. Heterogeneous mixture of two or more substances
C. Homogeneous mixture of liquid and solid components only
D. Homogeneous mixture consisting of water as one of the components

Answer 1

In a solution, a substance known as a solute is dissolved in another substance known as a solvent. For example, when sugar is dissolved in water, it forms a solution. Here, sugar is the solute and water is the solvent.

Complete step by step answer:
- In chemistry, a solution can be defined as a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
- The amounts of these substances can be varied continuously up to the limit of solubility.
- In a solution, the particle size of the components is about 1 nm.
- Some common examples of solutions are salt, or sugar in water, soda water, etc.
- All the components in a solution are in the same phase.
- The particles in a solution are evenly distributed or it can be said that the solution has particle homogeneity. And due to this reason, samples taken from the solution will have the same properties and constitution of the components as that of the main solution.
- A solution has two components: a solvent and a solute.
- A solvent is a component that dissolves the other component.
- A solute is a component that is dissolved in the solvent.
- In general, we can say that the solvent is the major proportion of the solution. Or, in simple terms, the amount of solute in the solution is less than that of the solvent.
- For example, the air is a homogeneous mixture of gases in which both the solvent and the solute are gases.

Therefore, we can say that a solution defines a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. Hence, option (A) is the correct option.

Note: There is a difference between a mixture and a solution. Mixtures can be heterogeneous as well as homogeneous. Whereas, a solution can only be homogeneous in nature.