What is the term for a mixture of two or more liquids in a fixed ratio that cannot be altered by vaporizing it?

What is the term for a mixture of two or more liquids in a fixed ratio that cannot be altered by vaporizing it?

• A. Mixture
• B. Azeotrope
• C. Saturated solution
• D. Emulsion

Answer: (B)

The correct term for a mixture of two or more liquids in a fixed ratio that cannot be altered by vaporizing it is an azeotrope. An azeotrope displays a unique behavior during the distillation process where, upon boiling, the composition of the vapor and the liquid phase remains constant, meaning it retains the same fixed ratio of components. This phenomenon is a result of the specific interactions between the molecules of the different substances involved, which creates a scenario where they behave as a single substance during phase changes. In contrast, a mixture refers to a combination of two or more substances that retain their distinct identities and can vary in composition. A saturated solution denotes a scenario where the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure but does not imply a fixed ratio like that of an azeotrope. An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquids where one is dispersed throughout the other, typically requiring an emulsifying agent, and also does not represent a fixed composition or ratio comparable to an azeotrope. Therefore, the unique and constant composition characteristic of an azeotrope makes it the correct answer in this context.

The correct term for a mixture of two or more liquids in a fixed ratio that cannot be altered by vaporizing it is an azeotrope. An azeotrope displays a unique behavior during the distillation process where, upon boiling, the composition of the vapor and the liquid phase remains constant, meaning it retains the same fixed ratio of components. This phenomenon is a result of the specific interactions between the molecules of the different substances involved, which creates a scenario where they behave as a single substance during phase changes.

In contrast, a mixture refers to a combination of two or more substances that retain their distinct identities and can vary in composition. A saturated solution denotes a scenario where the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure but does not imply a fixed ratio like that of an azeotrope. An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible liquids where one is dispersed throughout the other, typically requiring an emulsifying agent, and also does not represent a fixed composition or ratio comparable to an azeotrope. Therefore, the unique and constant composition characteristic of an azeotrope makes it the correct answer in this context.