A solid solution of zinc in copper is an example of: a. a solvent b. a solute c. the U.S. five-cent nickel d. a non-uniform solute e. an alloy
an alloy alloy is the mixture of (generally) two metals. It is homogeneous mixture. It is called brass.
e. an alloy. From Wiki: An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and where the resulting material has metallic properties. The resulting metallic substance usually has different properties (sometimes substantially different) from those of its components.
E. an alloy a) is incorrect because solvent is the liquid that dissolves the solute in a solution. Neither zinc nor copper is a liquid. b) is incorrect because solute is the solid that dissolves in liquid in a solution. Zinc or copper can be the solute, but the whole solution isn't. c) is incorrect because Nickel is a separate element (atomic symbol: Ni), completely unrelated to Zinc or Copper or the mixture of Zinc + Copper d) is incorrect because a solid solution is typically uniform (when well-mixed). e) is correct because an alloy is a mixture of two solids (at least one metal), or in other words, a solid solution (the word solution is confusing in this case, as this word can refer to both solution with a solvent [liquid] or solid mixture)
