Explanation:



Aqueous
- An aqueous solution refers to a solution in which the solvent is water.
- In the case of brine, the solvent is water, making it an aqueous solution.


Sodium Chloride:
- Sodium chloride is a compound composed of sodium cations (Na+) and chloride anions (Cl-).
- It is commonly known as table salt and has the chemical formula NaCl.
- Brine is made by dissolving sodium chloride in water, resulting in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride.


Other Options:
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base, and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is called sodium hydroxide solution, not brine.
- Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is a salt that can form an aqueous solution, but it is not commonly referred to as brine.
- Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a salt that can also form an aqueous solution, but it is not commonly referred to as brine.


Therefore, the correct answer is C: aqueous solution of sodium chloride.

Brine is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. It is commonly used in various industries such as food processing, chemical manufacturing, and water treatment. Let's explore the properties and uses of brine in more detail.

1. Definition of Brine:
- Brine is a solution that contains a high concentration of salt dissolved in water.
- It is typically produced by dissolving common table salt, which is sodium chloride (NaCl), in water.

2. Composition of Brine:
- The main component of brine is sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a compound made up of sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-).
- Other dissolved salts and impurities may also be present in brine depending on the source and manufacturing process.

3. Preparation of Brine:
- Brine can be prepared by adding salt to water and stirring until the salt is completely dissolved.
- The concentration of the brine can vary depending on the intended use.
- Brine solutions with higher salt concentrations are often used for industrial purposes, while lower concentrations are used in culinary applications.

4. Properties of Brine:
- Brine is a clear, colorless liquid with a salty taste.
- It is denser than pure water due to the presence of dissolved salts.
- Brine has a lower freezing point than water, which makes it useful for de-icing roads and preventing the formation of ice in colder temperatures.
- It conducts electricity due to the presence of ions in the solution.

5. Uses of Brine:
- Brine has various industrial applications, including:
- Food preservation: Brine is used to pickle and preserve foods such as vegetables, meats, and fish.
- Chemical manufacturing: It is used as a raw material in the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and other chemicals.
- Water treatment: Brine is used in water softening systems to remove hardness-causing ions from water.
- Oil and gas industry: It is used in drilling fluids and well completion operations.
- In culinary applications, brine is used for:
- Brining meat: It is used to enhance the flavor and tenderness of meat by soaking it in a saltwater solution.
- Baking: Brine can be used to enhance the texture and flavor of bread and pretzels.

In conclusion, brine is an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. It is widely used in various industries and culinary applications due to its unique properties and ability to preserve, enhance flavors, and perform various chemical processes.