Question

Which of the following is known as fusion mixture?

• A. Mixture of $Na_2CO_3 + NaHCO_3$
• B. $Na_2CO_3 \cdot10H_2O$
• C. Mixture of $K_2CO_3 + Na_2CO_3$
• D. $NaCO_3$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which option is known as a fusion mixture, we need to understand what a fusion mixture is in the context of chemistry.

In analytical chemistry, a fusion mixture typically refers to a combination of two or more chemicals used to bring about the fusion of a sample for analysis, usually by heating. Specifically, a common fusion mixture used in laboratory procedures is a mixture of K_2CO_3 (potassium carbonate) and Na_2CO_3 (sodium carbonate). This mixture is used due to its capacity to create a high-temperature molten state, which can dissolve otherwise inert and insoluble materials to facilitate their analysis.

Let us assess the given options:

• Na_2CO_3 + NaHCO_3 - This is not known as a fusion mixture as it primarily refers to different sodium compounds, which do not achieve the same effect as a fusion mixture in melting substances for analysis.
• Na_2CO_3 \cdot 10H_2O - This is sodium carbonate decahydrate, not a fusion mixture.
• K_2CO_3 + Na_2CO_3 - This option refers to the typical fusion mixture, where potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate are combined.
• NaCO_3 - This is an incorrect chemical formula; it might be a typographical error or misrepresentation of Na_2CO_3.

Based on the explanations above, the correct answer is the "Mixture of K_2CO_3 + Na_2CO_3" since it is the standard mixture used as a fusion mixture in chemical analyses.