How is colloid distinguished from a solution or a suspension?

Most suspensions can be filtered. Colloids can not. Most colloidal "solutions" are clear, as in normal solutions, but can be made visible by the Tyndall effect. Here is a site that describes the Tyndall effect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyndall_effect

To understand how colloids are distinguished from solutions or suspensions, we need to examine their fundamental characteristics. The main difference lies in the size of the particles and their behavior when dispersed in a medium.

1. Solution: In a solution, the solute particles are molecular or ionic in nature and are uniformly distributed at the molecular level within the solvent. These particles are generally very small (less than 1 nanometer) and do not settle down over time. Solutions are transparent and do not scatter light, resulting in a clear appearance. Examples include saltwater (sodium chloride dissolved in water) and sugar dissolved in water.

To determine if a substance is a solution, you can use the following steps:
- Observe if the substance is clear and transparent, without visible particles.
- Check if the substance passes through a filter paper, leaving no residue.
- Measure the concentration using techniques like spectrophotometry or titration.

2. Suspension: In a suspension, solid particles are relatively large and can be seen with the naked eye. These particles do not dissolve but are dispersed within the solvent. Unlike solutions, suspensions are not homogeneous, and over time, the particles settle down due to gravity. Suspensions appear cloudy or opaque because they scatter light. Examples include muddy water or orange juice with pulp.

To identify a suspension, you can follow these steps:
- Observe the mixture and check if it appears cloudy or opaque due to visible particles.
- Allow the mixture to stand for some time, and if settling occurs, it indicates a suspension.
- Filter the mixture, and if residue remains on the filter paper, it confirms the presence of particles.

3. Colloid: Colloids are intermediate between solutions and suspensions. They consist of particles that are larger than molecules but smaller than those found in suspensions (ranging from 1 to 1000 nanometers). These particles remain dispersed throughout the solvent due to continuous Brownian motion, which prevents them from settling. Colloids exhibit the Tyndall effect, meaning they scatter light when a beam passes through them, resulting in a visible light path. Examples include milk, fog, or gelatin.

To distinguish a colloid, follow these steps:
- Observe if the mixture appears cloudy or translucent, indicating the presence of dispersed particles.
- Shine a light source through the mixture; if the light beam becomes visible due to scattering, it confirms the Tyndall effect, suggesting a colloid.

In summary, solutions have molecular-sized particles, suspensions have visible particles that settle down, and colloids have dispersed particles that scatter light but do not settle over time. By analyzing the characteristics and behaviors of the particles, we can differentiate between these three types of mixtures.

so I can write something like this above

Yes, but make it a summary in your own words. Don't be guilty of plagiarism.

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you are uneducated