Q.Match the items given in Column I with the type of solutions given in Column II.
Column I:

Concept: Types Of Solutions — based on the physical state of solute and solvent.

Reasoning:

• Soda water: carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water → gas in liquid → (e).
• Sugar solution: solid sugar dissolved in water → solid in liquid → (c).
• German silver: an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel → solid in solid → (d).
• Air: a mixture of gases (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) → gas in gas → (b). …

Concept and Intuition

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The substance present in the larger amount is called the solvent, and the substance present in the smaller amount is called the solute. The type of solution is described by the phrase "a solution of [solute state] in [solvent state]".

To classify correctly, you must identify which component is the solute (the one being dissolved) and which is the solvent (the one doing the dissolving). The physical state of each at room temperature (or the given conditions) determines the classification.

Step-by-Step Matching

1. (i) Soda water

Soda water is carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water. The solvent is water (liquid), and the solute is carbon dioxide (gas).

→ This is a solution of gas in liquid.

Match: (i) → (e)

2. (ii) Sugar solution

Sugar solution is sugar (solid) dissolved in water (liquid). The solvent is water (liquid), and the solute is sugar (solid).

→ This is a solution of solid in liquid.

Match: (ii) → (c)

3. (iii) German silver

German silver is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. Alloys are solid solutions where one metal is dissolved in another. Here, all components are solids.

→ This is a solution of solid in solid.

Match: (iii) → (d)

4. (iv) Air …

Method: Solute–Solvent Classification Based on Physical States

This method uses the physical states (solid, liquid, gas) of the solute and solvent to classify each solution.

Steps

1. Identify the solute and solvent in each mixture.

   • The solvent is the component present in larger amount (or the one that dissolves the other).
   • The solute is the component present in smaller amount (the one that gets dissolved).

2. Determine the physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) of both solute and solvent at room temperature.

3. Match the pair to the correct type from Column II using the pattern:

   • Solution of gas in liquid → gas solute, liquid solvent
   • Solution of gas in solid → gas solute, solid solvent
   • Solution of solid in liquid → solid solute, liquid solvent
   • Solution of solid in solid → solid solute, solid solvent
   • Solution of gas in gas → gas solute, gas solvent
   • Solution of liquid in solid → liquid solute, solid solvent

Applying the Steps

| Column I Item | Solute | Solvent | Type (Column II) |

|---------------|--------|---------|------------------| …

Here’s a breakdown of the common mistakes students make when matching types of solutions, along with how to avoid each.

Mistake 1: Confusing the solute and solvent in alloys (German silver)

What students do wrong:

Students often think German silver is a solution of solid in liquid (because it’s a metal alloy) or misidentify it as a solution of liquid in solid.

Why it happens:

They forget that an alloy is a solid-solid solution — both components are solids at room temperature.

How to avoid:

• Remember: Alloys = solid in solid.
• German silver is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel — all solids.
• So the correct match is (iii) → (d).

Mistake 2: Thinking “soda water” is a solution of liquid in liquid

What students do wrong:

They see “water” and assume it’s a liquid-liquid solution, ignoring the dissolved gas.

Why it happens:

They focus on the solvent (water) and forget the solute (carbon dioxide gas).

How to avoid:

• Identify the solute first: In soda water, CO₂ gas is dissolved in water.
• So it’s gas in liquid → match (i) → (e).
• Tip: If a drink fizzes, it contains dissolved gas.

Mistake 3: Misclassifying “air” as a solution of gas in liquid or solid

What students do wrong:

They sometimes match air with “gas in solid” or “gas in liquid” because they think of dust or moisture.

Why it happens:

They overcomplicate — air is primarily a mixture of gases (N₂, O₂, etc.) with no liquid or solid phase dominating.

How to avoid:

• Air is a homogeneous mixture of gases → gas in gas.
• Match (iv) → (b).
• Ignore trace impurities unless the question specifies them.

Mistake 4: Confusing “hydrogen gas in palladium” with a gas-gas solution

What students do wrong:

They see “hydrogen gas” and “palladium” and think both are gases, or they match it with “gas in liquid”.

Why it happens:

They don’t know that palladium is a solid metal that can absorb hydrogen gas.

How to avoid:

• Learn this classic example: Hydrogen in palladium is a gas in solid solution.
• Match (v) → (a).
• Remember: Palladium is a solid, so the solute (H₂ gas) is trapped in the solid lattice.

Mistake 5: Matching “sugar solution” with gas in liquid or solid in solid

What students do wrong: …