Question

What type of following solution is obtained from amalgam of mercury with sodium?

• A. liquid in solid
• B. solid in gas
• C. solid in solid
• D. solid in liquid

Hint:

For any metal amalgam (like sodium amalgam or zinc amalgam), mercury is a liquid solute dissolved inside a solid metal solvent matrix. Hence, amalgams are always classified as "liquid in solid" solutions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the classification type of the solution formed by a sodium amalgam (an alloy mixture of mercury with sodium metal).

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Solutions are classified into nine distinct types depending on the physical states of the solute (the substance being dissolved) and the solvent (the dissolving medium that dictates the final phase of the mixture). An amalgam with a metal forms a solid alloy phase overall, where the liquid metal acts as the solute distributed inside the solid metal host.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
In sodium amalgam:

• Mercury ($\mathrm{Hg}$): Exists as a liquid at room temperature and functions as the solute.

• Sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$): Exists as a solid at room temperature, is present in larger proportions, and functions as the solvent host network. End product: The resulting amalgam mixture is a solid mass.
Because a liquid component ($\mathrm{Hg}$) is dispersed inside a solid medium ($\mathrm{Na}$), this system is categorized as a

liquid in solid type of solution.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The type of solution obtained is liquid in solid, which corresponds to option (A).