Question

How do colloids differ from suspensions?

   How do colloids differ from suspensions?

Chemistry The Molecular Science

Chemistry The Molecular Science

John W. Moore,… 5th Edition

Chapter 13, Problem 11

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Lottie Adams

07/12/2021

Step 1

The size of particles in colloids ranges from 2 to 200 nanometers, whereas in suspensions, the size of particles is greater than 200 nanometers. This can be represented as: \[ \text{Size of particles in Colloids} = 2 \text{ to } 200 \text{ nm} \] \[ \text{Size of Show more…

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How do colloids differ from suspensions?

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Key Concepts

Colloids

Colloids are mixtures in which very small particles (typically 1 to 1000 nanometers) are dispersed evenly throughout another substance. These particles are small enough to remain suspended indefinitely due to factors like Brownian motion and electrostatic interactions, resulting in a stable mixture that does not settle over time. Colloids often exhibit unique optical properties, such as the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by the dispersed particles.

Suspensions

Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures containing larger particles that are dispersed in a medium, but unlike colloids, these particles are large enough (usually greater than 1000 nanometers) to eventually settle out under the influence of gravity. The particles in a suspension are not uniformly distributed and can be separated by simple physical methods like filtration or sedimentation, making them less stable over time.

Particle Size Distribution

The difference in particle size is a critical factor distinguishing colloids from suspensions. In colloids, the dispersed particles are extremely small and remain evenly distributed within the medium, whereas in suspensions, the larger particle size leads to gravitational settling and separation from the continuous phase.

Stability and Light Scattering

Stability in these mixtures is largely influenced by the interaction between particle size and forces such as Brownian motion. Colloids remain stable because their minute particle size prevents settling and allows light scattering (Tyndall effect) to occur, which is not typically seen in suspensions due to the larger size and eventual sedimentation of their particles.

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