Question

Is air considered a solution?

Answer 1

Hint: A solution is a mixture of two or more solute dissolved in a solvent. A solution is homogeneous i.e. it is uniform throughout. Air is a mixture of different gases where the percentage of nitrogen is maximum.

Complete step by step answer:
Before answering this question, let us discuss what a solution is.
In chemistry, we define a solution as a homogeneous mixture of two or more solutes in a solvent. Solute is the substance which dissolves to form a homogeneous solution. Solvent is the liquid in which the solute is dissolving.
Generally, we describe a solution as a liquid. But, there can be gaseous solutions too. If the solvent is a gas and other gases are dissolved in it then it is a gaseous solution.
Now, let us discuss the air. We know that the air around us is a mixture of several gases like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide and other noble gases.
Any mixture which is uniform i.e. composition does not vary from one region to another, and the components are in the same phases which do not remain separate from each other with identifiable properties are termed as a homogeneous mixture.
Now in air we do not find any specific identifiable change in phase, it is uniform all over and its components are in a single phase. Also, air consists of 80% nitrogen and it can be considered as the solvent and other gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide and other noble gases are considered as the solutes.
Therefore, we can say that air is considered as a solution. Not a liquid solution but a gaseous solution and this is the required answer.

Note: Generally we do not consider air as a solution but a mixture. In a solution, the particles interact with each other whereas in air there is no interaction between the atoms of different component gases. So in chemistry, it is appropriate to consider air as a mixture and not a solution.