difference between colloidal and suspension

Understanding the Difference Between Colloidal and Suspension

If you’re a scientist or a chemist, you may have heard of the terms “colloidal” and “suspension.” Although these two types of mixtures may seem the same, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about colloidal and suspension to help you understand the distinctions between the two.

Table of Contents

What is a Colloidal Mixture?

A colloidal mixture is a mixture in which one of the components is dispersed throughout another component in a fine or microscopic form. The particles of the dispersed component are small enough to remain in suspension in the medium, but large enough to scatter light that passes through the mixture. Colloidal particles are too large to be seen with the naked eye and are usually measured in nanometers. Examples of colloidal mixtures include milk, fog, and whipped cream.

In colloidal mixtures, the dispersed particles tend to remain evenly spread throughout the medium because the particles are electrically charged. These charges prevent the particles from sticking together and settling to the bottom of the container. As a result, colloidal mixtures have a long shelf life, and their properties do not change over time.

What is a Suspension?

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the particles are large enough to settle by gravitational force. Suspensions are usually opaque because the particles cannot scatter light in the same way that colloidal particles can. If left undisturbed, the suspended particles will settle at the bottom of the container, forming a sediment.

Examples of suspensions include muddy water, blood, and orange juice with pulp. Suspensions are unstable and require continuous stirring or shaking to keep the particles suspended. The properties of suspensions change significantly over time due to sedimentation and settling.

Key Differences Between Colloidal and Suspension

The primary difference between colloidal and suspension is the size of the dispersed particles. Colloidal particles are small enough to remain in suspension in the medium, while suspension particles are large enough to settle to the bottom. Colloidal mixtures are usually transparent, while suspensions are opaque. Also, colloidal mixtures are stable, while suspensions are unstable and require continuous agitation to keep the particles suspended.

Conclusion

In summary, colloidal and suspension are two types of mixtures that are different from each other. Colloidal mixtures contain small, electrically charged particles that remain in suspension in the medium and are usually transparent. In contrast, suspensions contain large particles that settle to the bottom and are opaque. Understanding the differences between these two types of mixtures is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and biology.

Table difference between colloidal and suspension

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Table Title: Difference between Colloidal and Suspension

Note: Colloidal systems consist of fine particles that are dispersed uniformly in a continuous medium, while suspension systems consist of larger particles that are dispersed but settle over time.

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