What is the differnce between collids and suspension?
A number of differences but one major difference is that suspensions will settle while colloids will not.
The difference between colloids and suspensions lies in the size of the particles and their behavior when dispersed in a medium.
A colloid is a mixture in which small particles, called colloidal particles, are dispersed in a continuous medium. The colloidal particles are larger than individual molecules or ions and smaller than particles in a suspension. Examples of colloids include milk, fog, and gelatin. The particles in a colloid do not settle out on standing and remain evenly dispersed throughout the medium.
On the other hand, a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas medium. The particles in a suspension are usually much larger and can be seen with the naked eye. Examples of suspensions include muddy water, sand in water, or even snow globes. Unlike colloids, particles in a suspension tend to settle out on standing or when subjected to gravity, resulting in a visible separation between the solid particles and the medium.
To determine the difference between a colloid and a suspension, you can take a sample of the mixture and observe if the particles settle down over time. If the particles settle, it is likely a suspension. If the particles remain uniformly distributed, it is more likely a colloid. Additionally, you can examine the size of the particles using a microscope or other analytical techniques to further differentiate between colloids and suspensions.