What is a solution? A solution is a specific type of mixture where one substance is dissolved into another. A solution is the same, or uniform, throughout which makes it a homogeneous mixture.

A solution has certain characteristics: It is uniform, or homogeneous, throughout the mixture. It is stable and doesn't change over time. The solute particles are so small they cannot be separated by filtering. The solute and solvent molecules cannot be distinguished by the naked eye.

One example of a solution is salt water which is a mixture of water and salt. You cannot see the salt and the salt and water will stay a solution if left alone.

Parts of a Solution

Solute - The solute is the substance that is being dissolved by another substance. In the example salt mixed with water, the salt is the solute because it is the substance being dissolved or broken down.

Solvent - The solvent is the substance that dissolves the other substance. In the example of salt mixed with water, the water is the solvent because it breaks down the salt.