The word "aqueous solution" refers to a solution in which water is the solvent. It is pronounced as /ˈeɪkwiəs səˈluːʃən/ where the stress falls on the first syllable "aqueous". The spelling of "aqueous" is derived from the Latin word "aqua" meaning water, and the suffix "-ous" meaning "possessing, full of, or relating to something". Thus, "aqueous" means "related to or containing water". The word "solution" is pronounced as /səˈluːʃən/ and refers to a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one is dissolved in the other.
An aqueous solution refers to a type of liquid mixture wherein a substance, known as the solute, is evenly and homogeneously distributed in water, which serves as the solvent. The term "aqueous" pertains to water, thus indicating that the solvent in this particular solution is water-based. This type of solution is widely encountered in various scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts.
The water molecules surround and dissociate the solute particles, due to their polar nature, resulting in the formation of a stable, homogeneous solution. The solute can vary widely in nature, ranging from simple inorganic compounds like salts, acids, and bases to complex organic compounds, such as sugars, alcohols, and proteins. Hence, aqueous solutions encompass a vast array of substances dissolved in water.
Aqueous solutions are commonly encountered in chemistry laboratories, where they serve as a medium for reaction experimentation, sample preparation, and analysis. They are also vital in fields like biology, medicine, and environmental science, where they facilitate various biological and chemical processes. Additionally, aqueous solutions find extensive use in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture.
Overall, the term "aqueous solution" refers to a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is uniformly dispersed and dissolved in water, encompassing a broad range of scientific, industrial, and practical applications.
Aqua; liquor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "aqueous solution" can be broken down into two parts: "aqueous" and "solution".
The term "aqueous" is derived from the Latin word "aqua", meaning "water". In English, "aqueous" refers to something that is related to or contains water. It is commonly used to describe a substance or solution that is predominantly made up of water.
The word "solution" has its roots in Latin as well, derived from the verb "solvēre", meaning "to loosen" or "to dissolve". In the context of chemistry, a solution refers to a homogeneous mixture where particles of one or more substances (solutes) are dispersed uniformly in a solvent, often resulting in a clear liquid.