What type of mixture is a solution?

A solution is classified as a homogeneous mixture because it has a uniform composition throughout. In a solution, the solute is completely dissolved in the solvent, resulting in a single-phase system where individual components cannot be distinguished. This uniformity means that any sample taken from the solution will have the same composition as any other sample from the same solution.

In contrast, heterogeneous mixtures consist of different components that remain distinct and can often be seen, such as soil or salad, where the individual parts can easily be identified. Compounds are substances formed when two or more elements chemically bond together in fixed proportions, resulting in distinct physical properties different from those of the individual elements. An element, on the other hand, is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

Thus, the key characteristic of a solution being a homogeneous mixture is its consistent composition throughout, distinguishing it from other types of mixtures or pure substances.