Which of the following is an example of solid solution?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 3, "Amalgam of mercury with sodium," is the correct answer as it represents an example of a solid solution. A solid solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances where the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent in the solid phase. In the case of an amalgam, mercury acts as the solvent, and sodium is the solute. When these two metals are combined, they form a solid solution where sodium atoms are dispersed within the mercury matrix, resulting in a uniform solid phase. This is a classic example of a solid solution in metallurgy.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Camphor in nitrogen gas**: This is not a solid solution. Camphor is a solid, and nitrogen is a gas. When camphor is dispersed in nitrogen gas, it forms a gaseous mixture, not a solid solution. Solid solutions require both the solute and solvent to be in the solid phase.

2. **Glucose dissolved in water**: This is an example of a liquid solution, not a solid solution. Here, glucose (solid) is dissolved in water (liquid), forming a homogeneous liquid mixture. Solid solutions specifically refer to mixtures where both components are in the solid state.

3. **Chloroform mixed with nitrogen gas**: This is a gaseous mixture, not a solid solution. Chloroform is a liquid at room temperature, and nitrogen is a gas. When mixed, they form a gaseous or liquid mixture, depending on the conditions, but not a solid solution.

In summary, Option 3 is the correct choice because it accurately represents a solid solution, where both components are in the solid phase, and the solute is uniformly distributed within the solvent.