* Solution: A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
* Solute: The substance that dissolves in the solvent (in this case, salt).
* Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute (in this case, water).
When salt is added to water, the salt crystals break down into individual ions (sodium and chloride) that are surrounded by water molecules. This process is called dissolving. The result is a homogeneous mixture where the salt is uniformly distributed throughout the water.
Important Note: The specific type of solution (e.g., saturated, unsaturated, supersaturated) depends on the amount of salt added. A teaspoon is likely to create an unsaturated solution, meaning more salt could dissolve in the water.