Amalgams are which of the following type of solutions?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Liquid in solid
A solution is named by the physical state of the solute and of the solvent. In a solid solution the solvent is a solid, and the solute may be a gas, a liquid or a solid:
Gas in solid: solution of hydrogen in palladium
Liquid in solid: amalgam of mercury with sodium
Solid in solid: copper dissolved in gold
An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. Mercury is a liquid and it is dissolved in a solid metal such as sodium, so an amalgam is a liquid in solid solution.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Solid in gas — Incorrect. This is a gaseous solution; camphor vapour in nitrogen is the usual example.
Option (2) Solid in solid — Incorrect. Both components are solids, as in copper dissolved in gold; mercury is a liquid.
Option (3) Liquid in gas — Incorrect. Another gaseous solution, such as chloroform mixed with nitrogen gas.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Types of Solutions – …
| Type of Solution | Solute | Solvent | Common Examples |
| Gaseous Solutions | Gas | Gas | Mixture of oxygen and nitrogen gases |
| Liquid | Gas | Chloroform mixed with nitrogen gas | |
| Solid | Gas | Camphor in nitrogen gas | |
| Liquid Solutions | Gas | Liquid | Oxygen dissolved in water |
| Liquid | Liquid | Ethanol dissolved in water | |
| Solid | Liquid | Glucose dissolved in water | |
| Solid Solutions | Gas | Solid | Solution of hydrogen in palladium |
| Liquid | Solid | Amalgam of mercury with sodium | |
| Solid | Solid | Copper dissolved in gold |