Aqueous solution

The first solvation shell of a sodium ion dissolved in water

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] 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.^[2]

A non-aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is a liquid, but is not water.^[3] (See also Solvent and Inorganic nonaqueous solvent.)

^ Zumdahl, Steven (1997). Chemistry (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. pp. 133–145. ISBN 9780669417944.
^ 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.
^ "Solutions". Washington University Chemistry Department. Washington University. Retrieved 13 April 2018.

[:02-1] Zumdahl, Steven (1997). Chemistry (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. pp. 133–145. ISBN 9780669417944.

[:1-2] 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.

[3] "Solutions". Washington University Chemistry Department. Washington University. Retrieved 13 April 2018.

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