Question

Define the term solution. How many types of solutions are formed? Write briefly about each type with an example.

Answer 1

 Definition of Solution

Solution:
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, a solute is uniformly dispersed within a solvent, resulting in a single-phase system with the same composition and properties throughout.

 Types of Solutions

Solutions can be categorized based on the physical states of the solute and the solvent. There are nine types of solutions formed by different combinations of these states: solid, liquid, and gas.

 1. Solid in Solid
- Example: Alloys such as brass (copper and zinc)
- Description: Both the solute and solvent are in solid state. The solute atoms are uniformly distributed within the solvent’s crystal lattice.

2. Solid in Liquid
- Example: Saltwater (salt in water)
- Description: A solid solute dissolves in a liquid solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture where the solid is completely dissolved in the liquid.

 3. Solid in Gas
- Example: Smoke (solid particles in air)
- Description: Solid particles are dispersed within a gaseous medium, typically as a suspension of fine particles.

 4. Liquid in Solid
- Example: Amalgam (mercury in silver)
- Description: A liquid solute is dispersed within a solid solvent, forming a solid solution where the liquid is mixed at the atomic or molecular level with the solid.

 5. Liquid in Liquid
- Example :Alcohol in water
- Description: One liquid solute is completely dissolved in another liquid solvent, resulting in a uniform solution with both liquids fully mixed.

 6. Liquid in Gas
- Example: Moist air (water vapor in air)
- Description:Liquid particles are dispersed within a gaseous medium, forming a homogeneous mixture where the liquid is in vapor form within the gas

7. Gas in Solid
- Example: Hydrogen in palladium
- Description: Gas molecules are dissolved within a solid solvent. This typically involves gases being absorbed into the interstices of the solid’s lattice structure.

 8. Gas in Liquid
- Example: Carbonated water (carbon dioxide in water)
- Description: Gas molecules are dissolved within a liquid solvent. The gas remains uniformly dispersed within the liquid under specific conditions of pressure and temperature.

 9. Gas in Gas
- Example: Air (a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases)
- Description: Different gases are uniformly mixed to form a homogeneous mixture. Each gas retains its own properties but is evenly distributed within the mixture.

These various types of solutions highlight the versatility of the solution formation process, showcasing how different states of matter can interact to form homogeneous mixtures in different contexts.