Lesson 1-2:
Types of Mixtures
Solutions
Suspensions
Colloids
. . . .

Types of Solutions

A solution can also be classified according to its final phase as liquid, gaseous, or solid solution.

1. Liquid Solution
A liquid solution is formed by dissolving solid, liquid, or gaseous solute in a liquid solvent. Examples of liquid solutions with solid solute are syrup (sugar in water) and brine (table salt in water).

The common alcohol that is used as disinfectant is a liquid solution composed of a liquid solute dissolved in a liquid solvent. Liquid solutions with liquid solute are formed when the liquids readily mix with each other. When liquids combine easily with each other, they are described as miscible. On the other hand, liquids that do not readily combine in a solution are described as immiscible. Oil is a liquid that is immiscible in water.

Carbonated water is formed by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water. Thus, it is an example of a liquid solution with a gaseous solute.

2. Gaseous Solution
A gaseous solution is made by mixing two or more gases. Air is an example of gaseous solution. It is a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.

3. Solid Solution
A solid solution is a solution made by mixing a solid with solid, liquid, or gas. This type of solution is common in metals. Steel is a mixture of carbon and iron, while brass is made up of zinc and copper.

Uses of Solutions
Different solutions have many uses. Salt and sugar solutions, for example, are used to add flavor to the food you eat. Liquid soaps and suitable solvents dissolve grease and stain from clothes when washing or dry cleaning. Beverages, such as tea, coffee, and soft drink are solutions. Most medicines taken internally to cure diseases are prepared as solutions. In the process of digestion, the food that you eat is changed into a soluble form before the blood distributes or carries it to the different cells of the body. In chemical and industrial plants, many ingredients are dissolved in the course of the manufacturing process. Minerals in the form of solutions in the soil are absorbed by plants.