Willa is studying an unknown mixture. She tried to filter the mixture, but all particles passed through the filter. She tried to pass a concentrated beam of light through the mixture, but the light was scattered. Based on this information, which type of mixture is Willa studying?

Question

Teen girl doing chemistry, looking at a goey green substance. Isolated on white.

solution

colloid

suspension

element

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, Willa is most likely studying a colloid. In a colloid, particles are larger than those in a solution and they do not settle out. When attempting to filter a colloid, the particles are too small and pass through the filter. Additionally, when light is passed through a colloid, it is scattered due to the presence of suspended particles.