Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

A prescription for a mixture of solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid is known as what?

1. Emulsion

2. Solution

3. Suspension

4. Gel

The correct answer is: Suspension

The term used to describe a mixture of solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid is known as a suspension. In a suspension, the solid particles are not dissolved in the liquid and may settle over time if left undisturbed, which distinguishes it from other types of mixtures like solutions and emulsions. A solution, for instance, involves a solute that is completely dissolved in a solvent, creating a homogeneous mixture with no visible solid particles. An emulsion refers to a mixture of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, which are stabilized by an emulsifier, and is not characterized by solid particles in a liquid. A gel typically consists of a liquid that is trapped in a three-dimensional network, giving it a semi-solid form rather than a disperse solid-phase throughout a liquid. Thus, a suspension accurately describes the scenario where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid, validating the selection of this answer.