What characterizes an aqueous solution?

An aqueous solution is characterized by the presence of water as the solvent. This means that when a substance dissolves in water, forming a homogeneous mixture, it is referred to as an aqueous solution. Water’s unique properties, such as its polarity and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, make it an ideal solvent in many chemical reactions and processes.

The other choices do not accurately describe an aqueous solution. For instance, a solution that has a gas as the solvent does not qualify as aqueous. Similarly, stating that an aqueous solution consists only of solid solutes is incorrect, as aqueous solutions can contain solutes in various states, including liquids and gases. Lastly, while many aqueous solutions can have a neutral pH, they are not always neutral. The pH can vary depending on the nature of the solute, so an aqueous solution can be acidic or basic depending on what is dissolved in the water.