Science, Tech, Math › Science Solution Definition in Chemistry Print Heinrich van den Berg/Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on October 24, 2022 A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. A solution may exist in any phase. A solution consists of a solute and a solvent. The solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent. The amount of solute that can be dissolved in solvent is called its solubility. For example, in a saline solution, salt is the solute dissolved in water as the solvent. For solutions with components in the same phase, the substances present in lower concentration are solutes, while the substance present in highest abundance is the solvent. Using air as an example, oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are solutes, while nitrogen gas is the solvent. Read More Solute Definition and Examples in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Note that whether or not components start in different phases, a solution only consists of one phase. For example, sugar is a solid, while water is a liquid, However, a solution of sugar water is liquid only. Characteristics of a Solution A chemical solution exhibits several properties: A solution consists of a homogeneous mixture.A solution is composed of one phase (e.g., solid, liquid, gas).Particles in a solution are not visible to the naked eye.A solution does not scatter a light beam.Components of a solution cannot be separated using simple mechanical filtration. Solution Examples Any two substances which can be evenly mixed may form a solution. Even though materials of different phases may combine to form a solution, the end result always exists of a single phase. An example of a solid solution is brass. An example of a liquid solution is aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl in water). An example of a gaseous solution is air. Solution Type Example gas-gas air gas-liquid carbon dioxide in soda gas-solid hydrogen gas in palladium metal liquid-liquid gasoline solid-liquid sugar in water liquid-solid mercury dental amalgam solid-solid sterling silver Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Solution Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Oct. 24, 2022, thoughtco.com/definition-of-solution-604650. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2022, October 24). Solution Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-solution-604650 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Solution Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-solution-604650 (accessed April 20, 2024). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies