Amalgam of mercury with sodium is an example of
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Solid solution with liquid solute and solid solvent
Binary solutions are classified by the physical state of the solute and of the solvent, and the solvent decides the physical state of the solution. In the book’s table of the types of solutions (extract below), amalgam of mercury with sodium is the example of a solid solution whose solute is a liquid.
Liquid mercury is dissolved in solid sodium, so sodium amalgam is a solid solution with a liquid solute and a solid solvent.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Solid solution with solid solute and solid solvent — Incorrect. This is the type of copper dissolved in gold; mercury is a liquid, not a solid.
Option (3) Liquid solution with solid solute and liquid solvent — Incorrect. This is the type of glucose dissolved in water; here the solvent (sodium) is a solid.
Option (4) Liquid solution with liquid solute and solid solvent — Incorrect. A solid solvent always gives a solid solution, so this combination cannot exist.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-05 S2 21-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |