Reactions in Solution

A solution consists of two or more substances dissolved in a liquid form. Not to get confused with a mixture, which is heterogeneous--multiple substances exist in varying structures-- solutions are homogenous, which means that atoms of the solute are evenly dispersed throughout the solvent (ex. water, ethanol). Think of it as comparing a cup of (dissolved) sugar water and a cup of water with lego blocks in it. The solute is the substance dissolved in the solution, and the solvent is the substance doing the dissolving.

ex.

A solution of NaCl in water                                           A mixture of lego blocks and water                     

Note: All solutions are mixtures but not all mixtures are solutions.