Aqueous solution
Definition
An aqueous solution is a solution in which water is the solvent. Commonly used in chemistry to describe reactions occurring in water.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Aqueous solutions are represented with the notation (aq) after the chemical formula.
- The concentration of solutes in an aqueous solution is often expressed as molarity (M), which is moles of solute per liter of solution.
- Ionic compounds and polar molecules are generally soluble in water, forming aqueous solutions.
- In an aqueous solution, water molecules surround and interact with ions or polar molecules through hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions.
- Aqueous solutions can conduct electricity if they contain dissolved ions, classifying them as electrolytes.
Review Questions
- What does the notation (aq) signify in a chemical equation?
- How is molarity defined for an aqueous solution?
- Why can aqueous solutions conduct electricity?
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Related terms
Solvent: The substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution; in an aqueous solution, the solvent is water.
Solute: The substance dissolved in a solvent to create a solution.
Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the resulting solution to conduct electricity.
