= Solution
{disambiguate=chemistry}
{wiki}
= Chemical solution
{synonym}
A <chemical solution> is a homogeneous <mixture> in which designated <solutes> are distributed in a <solvent>. Representative equal-<volume (thermodynamics)> samples have the same composition after mixing. Individual <molecules> and <ions> remain distinguishable. The <solute>/<solvent> labels describe their roles in this <mixture>.<Chemistry 2e by Paul Flowers and others/3.3 Molarity>[Chemistry 2e, §3.3, Solutions: homogeneity and solvent/solute conventions]{ref}
A dissolved <solute> is dispersed as <molecules>, <chemical atoms>, or <ions>, rather than as the larger <solid> particles of a <particle suspension>. For example, <sucrose> retains its <molecular formula> during <dissolution> in <water>; a <chemical reaction> is not required. Dissolved <sodium chloride> supplies <sodium> <cations> and <chloride> <anions>, surrounded by <water> <molecules> through <solvation>. Dissolved does not mean chemically destroyed or converted into <water>.<Chemistry 2e by Paul Flowers and others/11.1 The Dissolution Process>[Chemistry 2e, §11.1, opening molecular and ionic examples and defining traits of solutions]{ref}
\Image[/dissolution-particle-identity.png]
{title=<Dissolution> disperses particles while preserving their <chemical elements>}
{id=image-dissolution-particle-identity}
{description=Original schematic with invented particle positions, not a microscopy image. Top: four generic neutral <molecules> retain their identity. Bottom: four <sodium> <cations> and four <chloride> <anions> separate from an <ionic crystal>. Pale dots represent <water> <molecules>; sizes, spacing, and counts are explanatory, not measured. <Solvation> surrounds each dissolved species; the diagram does not specify a <hydration shell> geometry.}
This makes a useful connection between microscopic identity and laboratory sampling. If a <chemical solution> is well mixed, the <amount of substance> in a measured portion follows from its <concentration> and <volume (thermodynamics)>. A scoop from a poorly mixed <particle suspension> need not represent the whole vessel. Visual clarity alone cannot establish composition or exclude a fine dispersion; the quantitative claim needs representative sampling.
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