In the amalgam of mercury with sodium, the correct option for the physical states of solute and solvent is _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Solute: liquid and Solvent: solid
To identify the solute and solvent, we look at the physical states and proportions:
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Solvent: This is the substance present in a larger quantity and typically determines the physical state of the overall solution. In sodium amalgam, Sodium (Na) is the solid base.
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Solute: This is the substance dissolved in the solvent. Mercury (Hg) is unique because it is a liquid at room temperature.
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Solute (Mercury): Liquid
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Solvent (Sodium): Solid
Therefore, the correct choice is Option 3: Solute: liquid and Solvent: solid. This is a classic example of a liquid-in-solid solution.