Amalgams are which of the following type of solutions?

Liquid in solid

The correct answer is Option (4) → Liquid in solid

Amalgams are a type of alloy where mercury (Hg) acts as the solvent, and other metals (like silver, gold, copper, zinc, etc.) act as solutes. To understand what type of solution an amalgam is, let us break down its components:

Mercury (Liquid Solvent)

Mercury is unique among metals because it is a liquid at room temperature. In an amalgam, mercury is the solvent, meaning it dissolves the metal.

Metals (Solid Solutes)

The other metals in an amalgam, such as silver or gold, are typically solid at room temperature. These metals dissolve in mercury, forming a solution.

Type of Solution

Since mercury (a liquid) dissolves a solid metal, the solution is classified as a liquid in solid solution. The solid metal acts as the solute, and the liquid mercury acts as the solvent, which together form a homogeneous mixture (the amalgam).

Example: Dental Amalgam

A common example is dental amalgam, which is used for fillings. It consists of mercury (liquid) mixed with other metals like silver (solid), forming a liquid in solid solution.

Conclusion

Since mercury is a liquid and the metals it dissolves are solids, amalgams are categorized as liquid in solid solutions.

Thus, the correct answer is Liquid in solid