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

1. Aqueous solutions are represented with the notation (aq) after the chemical formula.
2. The concentration of solutes in an aqueous solution is often expressed as molarity (M), which is moles of solute per liter of solution.
3. Ionic compounds and polar molecules are generally soluble in water, forming aqueous solutions.
4. In an aqueous solution, water molecules surround and interact with ions or polar molecules through hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions.
5. 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?

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.