Question

A jeweller has two different samples of white gold. The first sample has two elements, gold and palladium in its composition. The second sample has gold and nickel in its composition. Both the samples are identical in appearance and have a uniform composition throughout. What can be said about the samples?

• A. They are homogeneous mixtures and can be classified as solid solutions.
• B. They are heterogeneous mixtures and can be identified by their components.
• C. The samples are heterogeneous mixtures and their components can be separated on heating.
• D. The samples are heterogeneous mixtures and their components can be separated using a magnet.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

They are homogeneous mixtures and can be classified as solid solutions.

As they have a uniform composition throughout, they are considered as homogeneous mixtures. Both samples are a mixture of two metals, i.e., gold and palladium, gold and nickel respectively. Thus, they are a type of solid-solid mixture, also known as alloys and homogeneous in nature.