Final answer:
There are various types of solute-solvent phases that can form a solution, including solid solute in liquid solvent, liquid solute in gas solvent, gas solute in liquid solvent, and gas solute in gas solvent. The overall phase of the solution matches the solvent's phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The types of solute-solvent phases that can form a solution include:
- Solid solute - Liquid solvent: This is exemplified by salt water, which is a solution of solid NaCl (sodium chloride) in liquid water.
- Liquid solute - Gas solvent: Although less common, it is theoretically possible to have a liquid solute in a gas solvent under certain conditions.
- Gas solute - Liquid solvent: A common example of this is soda water, where gaseous CO2 (carbon dioxide) is dissolved in liquid water.
- Gas solute - Gas solvent: Air is an example of this type of solution, consisting of a gaseous solute (O2, oxygen) in a gaseous solvent (N2, nitrogen).
In all these cases, the overall phase of the solution corresponds to the phase of the solvent, whether that's gaseous, liquid, or solid. Solutions are formed when the solute is soluble in the solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture.