GED Science TestPhysical ScienceEasy
A student is mixing oil and water in a beaker. No matter how vigorously they stir, the oil and water quickly separate into distinct layers once stirring stops. This phenomenon demonstrates that oil and water are:
- ASoluble
- BHomogeneous
- CMiscible
- DImmiscible
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Immiscible
Immiscible liquids are those that do not mix to form a homogeneous solution and will separate into distinct layers. Oil and water are classic examples due to their differing polarities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Soluble refers to a solid dissolving in a liquid, not liquid-liquid mixing.
- B. Homogeneous describes a mixture that is uniform throughout; oil and water form a heterogeneous mixture.
- C. Miscible liquids mix completely to form a homogeneous solution, like alcohol and water.
Immiscibility
Immiscibility is the property of two liquids that are not capable of being mixed to form a homogeneous solution; they will separate into distinct layers.
- Often due to differences in polarity (like dissolves like).
- Results in heterogeneous mixtures.
- Examples include oil and water.
Memory trick: Liquids are either 'Mix-able' or 'No-Mix-able'.