Aqueous+Solutions

Aqueous Solutions
An aqueous solution is a solution in which the solvent is water. It is usually represented in chemical equations as (aq). The word aqueous means pertaining to, related to, or dissolved in water. Water is an excellent solvent and is also naturally abundant. Substances which are hydrophobic, or water fearing, often do not dissolve well in water. However, those that are hydrophilic, or water loving, dissolve in water. Acids and bases are aqueous solutions, as a part of their Arrhenius definitions. The ability of a substance to dissolve in water is determined by whether the substance can match or exceed the strong intermolecular forces that water molecules generate between themselves. If the substance is unable to dissolve in water the molecules for a precipitate. Aqueous solutions that conduct an electric current efficiently contain strong electrolytes, while ones that conduct poorly are considered to have weak electrolytes.