The Difference Between Solution and Suspension: Understanding The Basics
When it comes to the world of chemistry, there are a lot of technical terms and concepts that can easily confuse people. One such area is the difference between solutions and suspensions. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct types of mixtures. In this article, we’ll break down what each term means and how they differ from one another.
Solutions: A Homogeneous Mixture
A solution is a homogeneous mixture that contains a solute (the substance being dissolved) and a solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). In a true solution, the solute particles are evenly distributed throughout the solvent. This means that the mixture has the same composition and properties throughout, and there is no visible separation of the components.
For example, when sugar is dissolved in water, the sugar particles break down into tiny molecules that scatter uniformly throughout the water. The resulting mixture is a solution and its properties are the same throughout – sweet, colorless, and with no visible particles.
Suspensions: A Heterogeneous Mixture
On the other hand, suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures that contain solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid. Unlike solutions, suspensions are not uniform in their composition and have visible particles that settle over time.
For example, if you mix sand and water together, the sand particles do not dissolve in the water, but rather remain suspended. The resulting mixture is a suspension, with the sand particles visible and settling to the bottom over time.
Difference Between Solutions and Suspensions
Overall, the key difference between solutions and suspensions lies in their homogeneity. Solutions are homogeneous mixtures, in which solutes dissolve entirely, while suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures, where solutes do not dissolve entirely and are visible, creating a non-uniform mixture.
Another point of difference is the way they separate. When a solution is left undisturbed, there is no visible separation between solute and solvent, but in a suspension, the solid particles settle down at the bottom over time.
Conclusion
In summary, solutions and suspensions are two different types of mixtures that should not be interchanged. Solutions are homogeneous mixtures where solute molecules are fully dispersed in solvent with no visible difference in the composition, color or texture. Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures with visible solid particles suspended in a liquid, creating a non-uniform mixture. That’s the basic difference between solutions and suspensions, and acknowledging the difference is of the utmost importance to better understand the world of chemistry.
Table difference between solution and suspension
| Type | Solution | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances | A heterogeneous mixture of solid particles in a liquid medium |
| Appearance | Clear and transparent | Turbid or cloudy |
| Particle size | Particles are very small (less than 1 nanometer) | Particles are visible to the naked eye (more than 1000 nanometers) |
| Filtration | Passes through a filter paper | Does not pass through a filter paper |
| Sedimentation | Does not undergo sedimentation | Particles settle down over time |
| Examples | Saltwater, glucose solution | Muddy water, blood |