How is a solution defined in chemistry?

A solution is best defined as a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. This means that in a solution, the components are evenly distributed at a molecular level, resulting in a consistent composition throughout. For example, when table salt is dissolved in water, it breaks down into individual sodium and chloride ions that are thoroughly mixed with the water molecules, creating a uniform solution.

The nature of a solution allows for various substances to be combined, including solids, liquids, and gases, which directly contradicts the idea that a solution consists solely of solids or only involves mixing liquids. Therefore, the definition encompasses a wider range of substances and interactions, and its properties make it distinct from other types of mixtures, such as suspensions or colloids, where uniformity may not be achieved.