Question

An amalgum of mercury with sodium is an example of

• A. Solid in liquid solution
• B. Solid in solid solution
• C. Liquid in liquid solution
• D. Liquid in solid solution

Hint:

Amalgams are alloys of mercury with other metals, and they typically involve a liquid (mercury) dissolving a solid metal (like sodium).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the amalgam.
An amalgam is a type of alloy where mercury is the solvent, and another metal is dissolved in it. When mercury forms an alloy with sodium, it creates a liquid in solid solution, where the mercury (a liquid) dissolves the solid sodium metal.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Solid in liquid solution: This is incorrect. In this case, mercury (liquid) is dissolving sodium (solid), not the other way around.
(B) Solid in solid solution: This is incorrect. Sodium is the solid, but it is dissolved in a liquid (mercury), not in another solid.
(C) Liquid in liquid solution: This is incorrect. Sodium is solid, not liquid.
(D) Liquid in solid solution: This is correct. Mercury (liquid) forms an amalgam with sodium (solid), making it a liquid in solid solution.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Liquid in solid solution.