A colloid is a type of heterogeneous mixture that consists of two or more substances dispersed evenly throughout a medium. It is characterized by having particles that are larger than the particles in a solution but smaller than the particles in a suspension. The particles in a colloid do not settle at the bottom over time, unlike in a suspension. Colloids can be solid, liquid, or gas dispersed in another medium, and the resulting mixture exhibits properties different from those of its individual components. The particles in a colloid may scatter light, exhibit the Tyndall effect, and may be able to separate upon the application of external forces such as centrifugation or filtration.
impure special category of heterogeneous mixture called suspension definition
A suspension is a type of heterogeneous mixture that contains solid particles or liquid droplets dispersed in a liquid or gas medium. Unlike in a solution or colloid, the particles in a suspension are usually larger and can be seen with the naked eye. Suspensions are typically unstable and settle at the bottom over time due to gravity, requiring agitation to keep the particles suspended. They may exhibit properties such as sedimentation, where the particles settle down, and the supernatant liquid appears clearer. Suspensions can be separated by filtration, allowing the solid particles to be collected. Examples of suspensions include sand in water, dust in air, and muddy water.
A colloid is a special category of heterogeneous mixture where the particles are dispersed in a medium, typically a liquid, but they do not settle out or dissolve completely. In a colloid, the particles are larger than those found in a solution, but smaller than those found in a suspension. The particles in a colloid can be solid, liquid, or even gas, and they are evenly distributed throughout the medium, creating a stable and homogeneous-looking mixture. Examples of colloids include milk, gelatin, fog, and whipped cream.
