PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What is a stable, uniform mixture of two or more mixable substances called?

1. Colloid

2. Suspension

3. Solution

4. Emulsion

The correct answer is: Solution

A stable, uniform mixture of two or more mixable substances is referred to as a solution. In this context, a solution consists of a solute that is completely dissolved in a solvent, resulting in a homogeneous mixture where the individual components cannot be distinguished from one another. The particles in a solution are at the molecular or ionic level, meaning they are so small that they do not scatter light and cannot easily settle out over time. A colloid, suspension, and emulsion refer to different types of mixtures with distinct characteristics. A colloid contains larger particles that do not settle out but may scatter light, creating a somewhat cloudy appearance. A suspension consists of larger particles that can settle out over time, leading to separation if left undisturbed. An emulsion specifically refers to a mixture of two immiscible liquids, where one liquid is dispersed in the other. Each of these mixtures differs in stability, visibility of components, and behavior over time, making them unsuitable descriptions for what is defined as a solution.