Which term describes a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is dissolved in a solvent?

Which term describes a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is dissolved in a solvent?

• A. Homogeneous mixture
• B. Suspension
• C. Colloid
• D. Solution

Answer: (D)

When a solute dissolves in a solvent, the result is a solution—a homogeneous mixture with a uniform composition throughout at the molecular level. Think of salt or sugar dissolving in water: the dissolved particles are spread evenly so you can’t see them, and the mixture behaves as a single substance. A suspension has large particles that are not dissolved and tend to settle out over time, so it’s not uniform throughout. A colloid contains particles that are dispersed but not truly dissolved, often appearing cloudy or murky and showing light-scattering effects, yet still not a true solution. So the term that describes a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is dissolved in a solvent is a solution.

When a solute dissolves in a solvent, the result is a solution—a homogeneous mixture with a uniform composition throughout at the molecular level. Think of salt or sugar dissolving in water: the dissolved particles are spread evenly so you can’t see them, and the mixture behaves as a single substance.

A suspension has large particles that are not dissolved and tend to settle out over time, so it’s not uniform throughout. A colloid contains particles that are dispersed but not truly dissolved, often appearing cloudy or murky and showing light-scattering effects, yet still not a true solution.

So the term that describes a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is dissolved in a solvent is a solution.