Question

What is the major difference between a solution and an ordinary mixture?

Answer 1

Hint:Mixtures and solutions are formed when two or more substances are mixed together to form a new type of substance. A solution could be illustrated as a type of mixture but a mixture cannot be illustrated as a solution.

Complete solution
A mixture is generally prepared as a combination of $ 2 $ or more substances that are mixed together physically. There is no chemical interaction between these substances. Also in a mixture, the proportion of the components remains variable. Generally, mixtures are classified into $ 2 $ categories: Homogeneous and Heterogeneous. In Homogeneous mixtures, the components have a definite uniformity throughout the mixture and it does not change. Common examples of homogeneous mixture are water, alloys, vinegar, etc. In heterogeneous mixture, the components do not have a uniform composition and they are arranged all over the mixture randomly. Common examples of heterogeneous mixtures are air, oil, and water.
A solution is a homogenous mixture that is prepared by a combination of $ 2 $ or more substances that are mixed together chemically to form a new substance. These substances are called solute and solvent when there is a chemical interaction between the solute and solvent a solution is formed. So in a solution, the physical and chemical properties of the substances change. In a solution, the separation of the components cannot be done easily by simple physical processes. In a solution, the component that is mixed in a smaller quantity is called the solute and the component that is dissolved in a larger quantity is called the solvent. A common example of a solution is a salt solution in which salt is dissolved in water where salt is the solute and water is the solvent.
Hence, the major difference between a mixture and solution is that a mixture can be Homogeneous and Heterogeneous but a solution is always Homogeneous and the components dissolved completely.

Note:
In a mixture only the physical properties of the substances change. No change occurs in the chemical composition of the substance. It remains the same. In a mixture, the separation of the components can be done easily by a simple physical process.