Solution

Definition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, a solute is dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a single phase with a uniform composition and properties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The solution process involves the breaking down of solute particles and their uniform dispersion throughout the solvent.
2. Solutions can be formed with many different types of solutes and solvents, including gases, liquids, and solids.
3. The concentration of a solution can be expressed in various ways, such as molarity, molality, and mole fraction.
4. The properties of a solution, such as boiling point and freezing point, can differ from the pure solvent due to the presence of the solute.
5. Solutions play a crucial role in chemical reactions, as they provide a medium for the reactants to interact and undergo the desired transformation.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of a solution relates to solving equations using the subtraction and addition properties of equality.
  • In the context of solving equations using the subtraction and addition properties of equality, the term 'solution' refers to the value(s) of the variable that satisfy the equation and make the equation true. The process of solving an equation involves isolating the variable by performing inverse operations, such as subtraction and addition, to find the solution or set of solutions. Just as a chemical solution is a homogeneous mixture, the solution to an equation is the value(s) that make the two sides of the equation equal, resulting in a single, uniform answer.
• Describe how the concept of a solution is related to the use of the rectangular coordinate system.
  • In the rectangular coordinate system, the term 'solution' refers to the point(s) where the graphs of two or more equations intersect. These intersection points represent the values of the variables that satisfy all the equations simultaneously, forming a solution to the system of equations. The ability to visualize and identify these solution points on the coordinate plane is a key skill in solving systems of equations, which is essential for understanding concepts such as graphing linear and nonlinear functions.
• Analyze how the concept of a solution is applied in the context of solving systems of equations by graphing and in solving mixture applications with systems of equations.
  • $$\text{When solving systems of equations by graphing, the solution is the point of intersection between the graphs of the individual equations. This point represents the values of the variables that satisfy all the equations in the system simultaneously. Similarly, in solving mixture applications with systems of equations, the solution refers to the values of the variables, such as the amounts or concentrations of the different components in the mixture, that satisfy the equations describing the relationships between the components. In both cases, the solution provides the specific numerical values that resolve the problem and meet the given constraints, allowing for the successful analysis and optimization of the system.}$$

Related terms

Solute: The substance that is dissolved in the solvent to form a solution.

Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute to form a solution.

Concentration: The amount of solute present in a given volume or mass of solution.