Minnesota Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

What occurs when one liquid is dispersed in another liquid?

1. A solution

2. A suspension

3. An emulsion

4. A concentrate

The correct answer is: An emulsion

When one liquid is dispersed in another liquid, the process results in the formation of an emulsion. An emulsion involves the mixing of two immiscible liquids—meaning they do not naturally blend together, like oil and water. In this case, one liquid is dispersed in the form of tiny droplets throughout the other liquid, creating a system that can appear uniform to the naked eye. Typically, emulsions require the use of emulsifying agents or emulsifiers, which help stabilize the mixture by reducing the surface tension at the interface between the two liquids. This is important because without these stabilizers, the dispersed droplets would tend to coalesce back into a separate phase over time. In contrast, a solution occurs when a solute fully dissolves in a solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture where the solute is not visible. A suspension represents a mixture where solid particles are dispersed within a liquid, but they may settle over time if left undisturbed. A concentrate typically refers to a substance that has had a large proportion of its solvent removed, leaving a more potent form of the solution. Therefore, the correct identification of the situation where one liquid is dispersed in another as an emulsion highlights the unique characteristics of liquid-liquid mixtures in chemistry.