Amalgam of mercury with sodium belongs to which solute-solvent combination
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Liquid-Solid
A solution is classified by the physical states of its two components. The solvent is the component that decides the physical state of the solution (usually the one present in the larger amount), and the other component is the solute. There are nine types: a gas, a liquid or a solid dissolved in a gas, in a liquid or in a solid.
An amalgam of mercury with sodium is a solid solution, so the solvent is the solid, sodium. The solute is mercury, a liquid. So it is a liquid dissolved in a solid: the liquid-solid combination.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Solid-Gas — Incorrect. This is a solid in a gas, such as camphor in nitrogen gas; the amalgam is not a gaseous solution.
Option (2) Solid-Solid — Incorrect. This is a solid in a solid, such as copper dissolved in gold; mercury is a liquid.
Option (3) Gas-Solid — Incorrect. This is a gas in a solid, such as hydrogen dissolved in palladium; mercury is a liquid, not a gas.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Types of Solutions – …
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 03-06 S2 22-05 S1 | – | 23-05 S3 | – |