Question

A solution is a ________ mixture.

Short answer

A solution is a \(\underline{\text{homogeneous}}\) mixture.

Step-by-step solution

Define a solution

A solution is a type of mixture where one substance, called the solute, is dissolved in another substance, called the solvent. In this process, the solute particles are uniformly dispersed and mixed at a molecular level with the solvent particles, forming a homogenous mixture.

Identify the characteristic of the mixture

The primary characteristic of a solution is that it exhibits uniform composition throughout, meaning that the solute and solvent are indistinguishable, and no distinct layers or boundaries exist within the mixture. This attribute is called 'homogeneity'.

Complete the sentence

From the above information, we can now fill in the blank with the right term: A solution is a \(\underline{\text{homogeneous}}\) mixture.

Key concepts

Solution

In chemistry, a solution is a special type of mixture that is consistent and uniform throughout. Imagine adding sugar to your tea; when the sugar fully dissolves, it spreads out evenly, giving your tea the same sweet taste in every sip. That's what solutions do; they make sure that the solute - the substance being dissolved - is evenly distributed within the solvent - the substance doing the dissolving. This means that no matter how small a sample you take from the solution, it will contain the same proportion of solute and solvent.

Everyday examples of solutions include saltwater, where the salt (solute) is dissolved in water (solvent) and cannot be seen once fully dissolved, and the air we breathe, which is a gaseous solution of oxygen and other gases in nitrogen.

Solute and Solvent

The key players in any solution are the solute and solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved, while the solvent is the substance in which the solute dissolves. To illustrate this, think of making lemonade: the lemon juice and sugar are solutes that dissolve in water, which acts as the solvent. This process often involves a physical change where the solute becomes incorporated into the solvent's molecular structure, resulting in a clear and uniform mixture.

Understanding the role of each component helps in predicting how substances will behave when mixed. For instance, knowing that oil (solute) does not mix well with water (solvent) can explain why an oil spill does not form a solution in the ocean. This distinction is crucial for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, where the correct solute-to-solvent ratio can mean the difference between an effective medicine and an ineffective one.

Homogeneity

The term homogeneity refers to the uniformity of a substance or mixture. When a mixture is homogeneous, it means you cannot distinguish one part of the mixture from another; it looks and behaves the same throughout. Solutions are excellent examples of homogeneity. Whether you zoom in on a microscopic level or take a bucketful of ocean water, you'll find that the amount of salt is evenly distributed in each part of the water.

Homogeneity is an essential concept in many scientific and industrial processes. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial that a solution containing medicine is homogeneous to ensure each dose has the same concentration of the active ingredient. Quality control relies on the principle of homogeneity to ensure products meet certain standards before reaching the consumer.