Final answer:
A solution is a homogeneous mix of solute and solvent, where the solute is dissolved by the solvent. 'Like dissolves like' is key to predicting solubility, and the interactions between solute and solvent determine solution formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship among solutions, solutes, and solvents is foundational to understanding chemical mixtures. A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which a solute is uniformly dispersed within a solvent. The solute is the substance that is being dissolved, typically present in a lesser amount, while the solvent is the substance that does the dissolving, typically present in a greater amount. An important principle that influences the dissolution process is the concept of 'like dissolves like,' which suggests that solutes and solvents with similar intermolecular forces are more likely to form a solution. Solutions can be gaseous, liquid, or solid, and they form when the interactions between solute and solvent particles overcome the particles' original intermolecular forces, leading to a mixture that is uniform at the molecular level.