How does colloid differ from suspension

All homogeneous mixtures are solutions, but heterogenous mixtures can be split into two separate categories: suspensions and colloids. Suspensions are heterogenous mixtures where the individual components of the substance can be physically observed when left to settle. Think about how many oil-based salad dressings separate into two layers in a bottle. Or how a bit of dirt in a glass of water eventually falls in a layer of silt at the bottom. These are all examples of suspensions.

Colloids are also heterogenous mixtures of particles, but the particles in colloids are significantly smaller than those found in suspensions — only 1 to 1, nanometers in diameter. Although these particles are very tiny, they remain larger than those found in homogeneous solutions and generate a tell-tell opaque appearance when light is applied to them.

Some medications are delivered as suspensions and must be mixed well before the doses measured to make sure the patient is receiving the correct amount of medication. A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which some of the particles settle out of the mixture upon standing. The particles in a suspension are far larger than those of a solution, so gravity is able to pull them down out of the dispersion medium water. The diameter for the dispersed particles in a suspension, such as the sand in the suspension described above, is typically at least times greater than those in a solution.

Unlike a solution, the dispersed particles can be separated from the dispersion medium by filtering. Suspensions are considered heterogeneous because the different substances in the mixture will not remain uniformly distributed if they are not actively being mixed. A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture in which the dispersed particles are intermediate in size between those of a solution and a suspension.

The particles are spread evenly throughout the dispersion medium, which can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Because the dispersed particles of a colloid are not as large as those of a suspension, they do not settle out upon standing. The table below summarizes the properties and distinctions between solutions, colloids, and suspensions. Colloids are unlike solutions because their dispersed particles are much larger than those of a solution.

The dispersed particles of a colloid cannot be separated by filtration, but they scatter light, a phenomenon called the Tyndall effect. Colloids are often confused with true homogenous solutions because the individual dispersed particles of a colloid cannot be seen. When light is passed through a true solution, the dissolved particles are too small to deflect the light. What is Colloid? Depending on how the particles of the dispersed phase refer to the medium, the colloid systems are: Lyophilic — adsorb a large number of molecules from the dispersion medium gelatin, soaps, Fe OH 3 , Al OH 3 ; Lyophobic — do not bind or bind with a small number of molecules from the dispersion medium salts of certain metals, poorly soluble metal sulphides, etc.

Depending on the colloid particle structure the colloid systems are subdivided into: Associated micellar — the particles are groups of atoms, ions or molecules e.

Depending on the nature of the medium, the colloids are: Hydrosols — the solvent is water; Benzenosols — the solvent is benzene; Etherosols — the solvent is ether etc. Dispersion methods — dispersion of the material to the size of the colloidal particles in the presence of a dispersion medium; Condensation methods — condensing grouping individual molecules, atoms or ions into particles of colloid size.

What is Suspension? The classification of the suspensions is based on the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium. The suspensions are obtained by various dispersion and condensation methods. Difference Between Colloid and Suspension Definition Colloid: Dispersion system with a liquid and solid component, with particles size between 1 and nm is called colloid.

Particle size Colloid: The particle size is nm. Suspension: The particle size is above nm. Particle visibility Colloid: The particles in the colloid cannot be seen with a naked eye. Suspension: The particles in the suspension can be seen with a naked eye.

Suspension: The suspensions undergo sedimentation. Homogeneity Colloid: The colloids are relatively homogenous. Suspension: The suspensions are heterogeneous. Permeability through filter paper Colloid: The colloid particles can pass through filter paper. Suspension: The suspension particles cannot pass through filter paper. Examples Colloid: Gelatin in water, starch in water, sodium chloride in benzene, etc. Suspension: Sand in water, powdered chalk in water, mercury in oil, etc. Colloid and Suspension Comparison Chart Summary of Colloid and Suspension Dispersion systems consist of two or more chemical compounds or simple substances, called system components, distributed among each other.

They form a dispersed phase and a continuous medium. Dispersion system with a liquid and solid component, with particles size between 1 and nm is called colloid. Dispersion system with a liquid and solid component, with particles size above nm is called suspension.

The particles in the colloid cannot be seen with a naked eye, while the particles in the suspension can be seen with a naked eye. Simon Moore. Jul 10, A colloid is a suspension, but a specific type. Explanation: A colloid is a suspension, but specifically colloids have a dispersed phase where the mean particle size is between 1 and nm, and also they are sufficiently stable that they do not separate upon standing to any observable extent. Related questions How are solution, solute, and solvent related?

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