Chapter 7: Problem 62
Identify the following as characteristic of a solution, a colloid, or a suspension: a. Particles of this mixture remain inside a semipermeable membrane but pass through filters. b. The particles of solute in this solution are very large and visible.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
semipermeable membrane
This membrane is crucial in allowing selective movement of substances.
For instance, when dealing with mixtures, only particles below a certain size can travel across a semipermeable membrane.
In the context of colloids, their particles are usually too large to pass through, hence they remain trapped.
However, in a solution, the particles are small enough to pass through both semipermeable membranes and filters.
Understanding how semipermeable membranes work helps clarify why certain mixtures behave differently in terms of particle distribution.
Overall, it's a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry, particularly in processes like osmosis and dialysis.
filtering particles
In a solution, the particles are so small they pass through filters without obstruction.
In contrast, particles in a colloid, though larger, can still pass through filters.
This is because filters typically separate based on the size of the atoms or molecules.
Suspend materials, however, cannot pass through as easily due to their larger particle size.
Suspensions contain particles large enough to be seen with the naked eye, and they get trapped in the filter.
- Solutions: Completely filterable.
- Colloids: Filterable but cannot pass through semipermeable membranes.
- Suspensions: Not filterable as particles are too large.
particle size in mixtures
In a solution, the particles are incredibly small, typically ions or molecules, which makes the mixture homogeneous.
Colloids have larger particles that are still too small to settle out or be separated easily by ordinary filters.
These particles are large enough to scatter light (which is why some colloids appear cloudy), but small enough not to settle under gravity.
- Solutions: Particle size < 1nm
- Colloids: Particle size 1nm - 1000nm
- Suspensions: Particle size > 1000nm
These particles tend to settle out over time due to gravity.
Understanding particle size helps not only in identifying the type of mixture but also in predicting its behavior and how it can be separated.
For example, suspension particles will eventually settle, making them easier to filter out compared to colloids and solutions.