* Solution: A homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved evenly into another substance (the solvent). The solute and solvent molecules are indistinguishable.
* Mixture: A combination of two or more substances where each substance retains its own properties. The substances can be easily separated.
Here's how sodium nitrate forms a solution:
1. Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) is a solid ionic compound.
2. When dissolved in water (H₂O), the ionic bonds in sodium nitrate break.
3. The sodium ions (Na⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) become surrounded by water molecules, forming a homogeneous mixture.
Key points:
* The water molecules act as a solvent, dissolving the sodium nitrate.
* The sodium and nitrate ions are evenly distributed throughout the water, making it a homogeneous mixture.
* You cannot easily separate the sodium nitrate from the water; the solution needs to be evaporated.
In summary: An aqueous solution of sodium nitrate is a solution because it's a homogeneous mixture where the solute (sodium nitrate) is dissolved into the solvent (water).
