Final answer:
A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute is completely dissolved in the solvent, creating a uniform composition, while a non-solution refers to heterogeneous mixtures such as suspensions or colloids where the particles do not dissolve completely and may settle or scatter light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a solution and a non-solution involves the homogeneity of the mixture and the state of the solute. A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute is completely dissolved in the solvent. This means that the dissolved species, whether they are molecules or ions, are evenly distributed throughout the solvent. The properties of a solution are uniform throughout, and the dissolved solute does not settle out or separate by simple filtration. For example, when table salt (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it forms a clear and uniform solution that doesn't allow light to scatter visibly.
On the other hand, a non-solution can refer to heterogeneous mixtures like suspensions or colloids. In suspensions, the particles are relatively large and may settle out upon standing, such as mud mixed with water. In colloids, the particles are also larger than those in a solution, but they remain dispersed and do not settle out quickly like in suspensions. While a colloid may appear similar to a solution, the particles within a colloid are large enough to scatter light, a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect.