What is meant by an "aqueous solution"?

An aqueous solution specifically refers to a solution in which water acts as the solvent. This is a key term in chemistry because water is known as the "universal solvent" due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, making it essential in many chemical reactions and processes. In an aqueous solution, solutes, which can be ionic compounds, molecules, or gases, are dissolved in water, leading to a mixture where the solutes are completely surrounded by water molecules.

Water's polar nature allows it to interact with various ions and molecules, breaking ionic bonds and forming hydration shells around solute particles. This property is critical for biological, chemical, and environmental systems, as it impacts reactivity, solubility, and transport of substances.

In contrast, a solution where alcohol, oil, or gas is the solvent does not fit the definition of an aqueous solution, as these solvents have different properties and interactions with solutes. Hence, the correct understanding is firmly rooted in the context of water being the solvent.