An aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is water. It is mostly shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. For example, a solution of table salt, also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), in water would be represented as Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq). The word aqueous (which comes from aqua) means pertaining to, related to, similar to, or dissolved in, water.[1][2] As water is an excellent solvent and is also naturally abundant, it is a ubiquitous solvent in chemistry. Since water is frequently used as the solvent in experiments, the word solution refers to an aqueous solution, unless the solvent is specified.[3][4]
A non-aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is a liquid, but is not water.[5]
- ^ Zumdahl, Steven (1997). Chemistry (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. pp. 133–145. ISBN 9780669417944.
- ^ Sorrenti, A.; Illa, O.; Ortuño, R. M. (2013-10-07). "Amphiphiles in aqueous solution: well beyond a soap bubble". Chemical Society Reviews. 42 (21): 8200–8219. doi:10.1039/C3CS60151J. ISSN 1460-4744. PMID 23884241.
- ^ Atkins, Peter (19 March 2004). Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight (3rd ed.). New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company. pp. F61–F64. ISBN 0-7167-5701-X.
- ^ "What Is an Aqueous Solution? Chemistry Definition and Example". ThoughtCo. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ "Solutions". Washington University Chemistry Department. Washington University. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.