Aqueous solution

Aqueous Solution

An Aqueous Solution (/əˈkwiːəs səˈluːʃən/) is a solution in which the solvent is water. It is usually shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. The word aqueous (which comes from aqua, the Latin word for water) means pertaining to, related to, similar to, or dissolved in, water.

Etymology

The term aqueous solution is derived from the Latin word aqua meaning water, and the English word solution, which in this context refers to a type of homogeneous mixture in which one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent).

Related Terms

Solvent: A substance, usually a liquid, capable of dissolving another substance.
Solute: The component in a solution that is present in the least amount.
Concentration: The amount of a component in a solution, or in a volume of a phase, divided by the volume of the solution or phase.
Solubility: The property of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance called solute to dissolve in a solid, liquid, or gaseous solvent to form a solution.
Homogeneous mixture: A solid, liquid, or gaseous mixture that has the same proportions of its components throughout any given sample.