What is the Difference Between Liquid and Aqueous?

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The main difference between a liquid and an aqueous solution lies in the composition and the state of matter.

A liquid is a state of matter, characterized by its ability to flow, take the shape of its container, and possess a moderate density between solids and gases. Examples of liquids include water, alcohol, and oil. Some liquids are pure substances, while others are mixtures of different components.

An aqueous solution, on the other hand, is a specific type of liquid solution where water is the solvent and one or more substances are dissolved in it, known as solutes. Examples of aqueous solutions include saltwater, sugar water, and bleach. The term "aqueous" means "similar to," "related to," or "dissolved in water".

In summary, the key differences between a liquid and an aqueous solution are:

  • A liquid is a state of matter with its own distinct properties, while an aqueous solution is a specific type of liquid solution with water as the solvent.
  • A liquid can be a pure substance or a mixture of components, whereas an aqueous solution always contains at least one solute dissolved in water.

Comparative Table: Liquid vs Aqueous

Here is a table highlighting the differences between liquid and aqueous solutions:

Liquid Aqueous Solution
A liquid is a state of matter that has no fixed shape but has a definite volume. An aqueous solution is a solution in which a substance is dissolved in water.
Liquids can be made up of tiny particles of matter, such as atoms and molecules, held together by intermolecular forces. Aqueous solutions always include water as the solvent.
Examples of liquids include pure fat, alcohol, and mercury. Examples of aqueous solutions include NaCl (aq.) and HCl (aq.).
A liquid can be hydrophobic (water-fearing) or hydrophilic (water-loving), depending on whether it dissolves in water or not.