Question

What does it mean to say that a solution is a homogeneous mixture?

Short answer

A solution is a homogeneous mixture when the solute has dissolved evenly in the solvent, resulting in a uniform composition with consistent properties throughout. In a homogeneous mixture, the components are uniformly and evenly distributed, and they cannot be visibly separated, unlike in heterogeneous mixtures where components are unevenly distributed and can be separated into distinct regions. An example of a homogeneous mixture is saltwater, where the salt is uniformly distributed among the water molecules.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of a Solution

A solution is a single-phase mixture of two or more substances, where one substance (the solute) dissolves into another substance (the solvent) to form a homogeneous mixture.

Definition of a Homogeneous Mixture

A homogeneous mixture is a mixture where the components are uniformly and evenly distributed throughout, and cannot be visibly separated. In other words, it has a consistent composition and its properties are the same throughout the mixture.

Comparing Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures

In contrast to homogeneous mixtures, heterogeneous mixtures are mixtures where the components are not evenly distributed, and they can be visibly separated into distinct regions or phases.

Example of a Homogeneous Mixture: Saltwater

A classic example of a homogeneous mixture is saltwater. When salt (solute) dissolves in water (solvent), the resulting mixture is uniform and the salt cannot be easily separated from the water. This is because the salt molecules are uniformly distributed among the water molecules, creating a consistent composition and appearance. In conclusion, when we say that a solution is a homogeneous mixture, it means that the solute has dissolved in the solvent evenly, creating a uniform composition throughout the mixture that has consistent properties and cannot be easily separated.