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Aqueous Solution - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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An aqueous solution is a type of solution where water is the solvent, meaning it is the substance that dissolves a solute. In the context of GCSE Chemistry, when a substance dissolves in water to form a homogeneous mixture, it is considered to be in an aqueous solution, often denoted by the state symbol (aq) in chemical equations.

Examples:

  • When table salt (NaCl (s)) dissolves in water, it forms an aqueous solution, represented as NaCl (aq)

  • When calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2 (s), dissolves in water it forms an aqueous solution, represented as Ca(NO3)2 (aq)

Understanding aqueous solutions is important because water is a common solvent in chemical reactions, and many solutions encountered in both laboratory and everyday life are aqueous.

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Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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