In my introductory biology class, we are learning about how water creates aqueous solutions. I am not sure about the definition of a solution, however. Does a solution mean that each individual molecule of a solute is separated from every other molecule, or that each individual element from the solute is separated. They used table salt as an example of a solute. Our book said that each individual element of the solute is pulled apart from each other. However, the book went on to say that for polar and covalent molecules all that the solvent needs to do is surround each individual molecule of the solute. It doesn’t say anything about breaking the molecule apart. Is breaking the molecule apart a requirement in a solution, or was that just a particularity in the example my book presented to me?

Thanks for reading, and any responses.