Suspensions, solutions, colloids

Front

What is a suspension?

Back

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but are large enough to settle out over time or be filtered out.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is completely dissolved in another (the solvent), resulting in a mixture that has the same composition throughout.

Front

What is a colloid?

Back

A colloid is a mixture where very small particles of one substance are evenly distributed throughout another substance, and these particles do not settle out or can be separated by filtration.

Front

Give an example of a suspension.

Back

An example of a suspension is muddy water, where soil particles are suspended in water.

Front

Give an example of a solution.

Back

An example of a solution is saltwater, where salt is completely dissolved in water.

Front

Give an example of a colloid.

Back

An example of a colloid is milk, which contains fat globules dispersed in water.

Front

What is the main characteristic of a heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A heterogeneous mixture has a non-uniform composition, meaning the different components can be easily distinguished and separated.

Front

How do particles behave in a suspension?

Back

In a suspension, particles are too large to remain mixed without stirring or shaking and will eventually settle to the bottom.

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a colloid?

Back

Colloids scatter light, which is why they can appear cloudy or opaque.

Front

What is the Tyndall effect?

Back

The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid, making the path of the light beam visible.