Solutions: The One-Phase Mixture

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of only one phase. In such mixture, there is a solute and a solvent.

An example of a solution are different kinds of chemicals.

A solute is a substance that is being dissolved while the solvent is the one that does the dissolving.

A diagram showing the properties of a solute and a solvent.

 

 

Characteristics of a Solution:

• A solution is a homogeneous mixture.
• The particles of solute in solution cannot be seen by naked eye.
• The solution does not allow beam of light to scatter.
• A solution is stable.
• The solute from the solution cannot be separated by filtration (or mechanically). 

Properties of a Solution
Colligative properties are properties of solutions that depend upon the ratio of the number of solute particles to the number of solvent molecules in a solution, and not on the type of chemical species present.
  
 Colligative properties include: 

• Relative lowering of vapor pressure 
• Elevation of boiling point
• Depression of freezing point 
• Osmotic pressure.
  

Concentration is the abundance of a constituent divided by the total volume of a mixture.

Reference: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solution