Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What is the term for a mixture formed by dispersing solid particles in a liquid?

1. Emulsion

2. Suspension

3. Solution

4. Concentrate

The correct answer is: Suspension

The term for a mixture formed by dispersing solid particles in a liquid is known as a suspension. In this type of mixture, the solid particles do not dissolve in the liquid but are rather suspended within it. This means that the solid particles can settle at the bottom over time if left undisturbed, which is a characteristic feature of suspensions. In practical applications, such as in pesticide formulation, suspensions allow for the application of solid substances in a liquid form while keeping the solid particles evenly distributed for effective use. This aspect is crucial in ensuring that the active ingredients remain accessible for their intended purpose. Regarding the other terms, an emulsion refers to a mixture of two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) where one liquid is dispersed in the other, while a solution represents a homogeneous mixture where one substance is completely dissolved in another. Concentrate generally refers to a form of pesticide that contains a high concentration of active ingredients but does not specifically describe the state of a mixture involving solid particles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "suspension" is the accurate choice for this question.