Which of the following is commonly cited as an example of a solution?

• A. Sand
• B. Perfume
• C. Water in oil
• D. Iron

Answer: (B)

A solution is a homogeneous mixture where a solute is dissolved in a solvent to form a single, uniform phase. Perfume fits this idea well because its fragrance molecules (solutes) are dissolved in alcohol (the solvent), giving a smooth, uniform liquid whose composition is the same throughout. This illustrates the defining feature of a solution: even distribution at the molecular level.

Sand isn’t a solution because it’s a mixture of distinct solid particles that don’t dissolve, so you see a heterogeneous mix. Water in oil isn’t a solution either; the two liquids don’t mix and separate into layers, forming more than one phase. Iron isn’t a solution in the everyday sense—it’s an element, or at times an alloy when different elements are combined, not a substance dissolved in a solvent to create a single homogeneous liquid.