Question

Identify the solutions among the following mixtures.

• A. Soil
• B. Sea water
• C. Air
• D. Coal
• E. Soda water

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C,

To identify which of the given mixtures are solutions, let us first understand what a solution is in scientific terms. A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, a solute is dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a clear and consistent mixture where the solute cannot be physically distinguished from the solvent. 

1. Soil: 
   Soil is a heterogeneous mixture composed of a variety of substances, including minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and countless organisms. These components are not uniformly distributed, and soil does not qualify as a solution.
2. Sea Water: 
   Sea water is a homogeneous mixture and a true solution. It primarily consists of water as the solvent and various salts (such as sodium chloride) dissolved in it as solutes. Therefore, sea water is a solution.
3. Air: 
   Air is a homogeneous mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. It behaves as a single-phase substance under normal atmospheric conditions, making it a solution.
4. Coal: 
   Coal is a heterogeneous mixture of carbonaceous material and other components like minerals and water. Its heterogeneous nature disqualifies it as a solution.
5. Soda Water: 
   Soda water, which consists of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water, forms a homogeneous mixture. When unopened or under pressure, it maintains a uniform composition, making it a solution.

Thus, the solutions among the given mixtures are Sea Water, Air, and Soda Water, conforming to the definition of a homogeneous mixture.