The solute and solvent in "Amalgam of mercury with sodium" are
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Solute: Liquid and Solvent: 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: solute liquid, solvent solid.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Solute: Solid and Solvent: Liquid — Incorrect. This is a solid in a liquid, such as glucose dissolved in water; here the states are the other way round.
Option (3) Solute: Solid and Solvent: Solid — Incorrect. This is a solid in a solid, such as copper dissolved in gold; mercury is a liquid.
Option (4) Solute: Liquid and Solvent: Liquid — Incorrect. This is a liquid in a liquid, such as ethanol dissolved in water; the amalgam is a solid.
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 | – |