Which of the following is NOT characteristic of a solution?

• A. The solute particles are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
• B. The solution is a homogeneous mixture.
• C. The components can be separated by filtration.
• D. The composition is uniform throughout.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a solution is: a solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent.
2. Recall that in a solution, solute particles are typically at the molecular or ionic level, making them too small to be seen with the naked eye.
3. Recognize that because a solution is homogeneous, its composition is uniform throughout the entire mixture.
4. Know that solutions cannot be separated by simple physical methods like filtration because the solute particles are dissolved at the molecular level and pass through filter paper.
5. Therefore, the statement 'The components can be separated by filtration' is NOT characteristic of a solution, as filtration separates mixtures with larger particles, not true solutions.