Solutions, Suspensions, and Colloids

Suspensions and colloids are special types of liquids often studied with solutions. Both are commonly
mistaken for solutions, but neither actually is considered to be solutions.

A solution is a heterogeneous mixture in which one or more components have a particle size greater than 10-
5
cm (in diameter). Very often these particles are visible to the naked eye. Components of a suspension can
be evenly distributed by a mechanical means, like by stirring the contents, but the components will settle out.

Important points about suspensions:

1. dissolved particles are usually “clumps” of molecules

2. particles settle out over time to the bottom of the container

3. they can be separated by filtration

4. are not transparent (see-through)instead they are "murky" or "opaque

5. are not considered to be “permanent”

ex. Sand in water; muddy water; oil and vinegar dressing

A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture in which the particle size ranges between 10-7 and 10-5 cm. These
particles are intermediate in size compared to those found in solutions and suspensions, and the particles can
be mixed such that they remain evenly distributed without settling out due to Brownian motion.

Brownian motion (named in honor of the botanist Robert Brown) is the random movement of particles
suspended in a liquid or gas that allows them to remain suspended even though their mass is enough for
gravity to pull them out of solution.

The mixture this substance forms is called a colloid. A colloidal dispersion consists of colloids in a
dispersing medium.

Important points about colloids:

1. dissolved particles are usually “clumps” of molecules

2. particles don not settle out over time to the bottom of the container

3. they cannot be separated by filtration

4. are not always transparent (see-through) often they are considered "murky" or "opaque"

6. are considered to be “permanent”

7.

Classes of Colloids
Class Phases Example
Sol solid dispersed in liquid paints, mud
Gel solid network extending throughout liquid gelatin
Liquid emulsion liquid dispersed in a liquid milk, mayonnaise
Foam gas dispersed in liquid shaving or whipped cream
Solid aerosol solid dispersed in gas smoke, car exhaust
Liquid aerosol liquid dispersed in gas Fog, mist, clouds, aerosol spray
Solid emulsion liquid dispersed in solid cheese, butter
 Comparative sizes of particles in solutions

Often it is possible to distinguish between a suspension, a colloid and a true solution using one simple test:

shine a light through the substance.

If the substance is a solution, the light will pass straight through it without being seen.

If the substance is a colloid, the light will form a visible path through the substance in a phenomenon known
as the Tyndall Effect.

This Tyndall Effect is caused by reflection of light by very small particles in suspension in a
transparent medium. It is often seen from the dust in the air when sunlight comes in through a
window, or comes down through holes in clouds. It is seen when headlight beams are visible on
foggy nights, and in most X-File episodes when Moulder and Sculley check out some dark place with
flashlights.

If the substance is a colloid, the larger suspended particles may scatter the light in all directions producing a
cloudy appearance.