Which statement best explains why a solution is considered a special type of mixture?

• A. A solution contains only one substance and does not involve mixing of different components.
• B. A solution is a mixture in which the solute particles are large enough to scatter light.
• C. A solution is a heterogeneous mixture where the components can be easily separated by filtration.
• D. A solution is a homogeneous mixture in which the components are uniformly distributed at the molecular level.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a mixture: a combination of two or more substances where each substance retains its own chemical identity.
2. Recognize that mixtures can be classified as either heterogeneous or homogeneous. Heterogeneous mixtures have visibly different components, while homogeneous mixtures have uniform composition throughout.
3. Recall that a solution is a type of homogeneous mixture where the solute is dissolved uniformly in the solvent at the molecular or ionic level.
4. Note that in a solution, the particles are too small to scatter light significantly, which differentiates it from colloids where particles are larger and can scatter light (Tyndall effect).
5. Conclude that a solution is considered a special type of mixture because it is homogeneous with components evenly distributed at the molecular level, making it distinct from heterogeneous mixtures and colloids.