Question

Make a table that compares the properties of suspensions, colloids, and solutions

Short answer

In conclusion, the properties of suspensions, colloids, and solutions can be compared as follows: - Particle Size: Suspensions have large particles (>1000 nm), colloids have intermediate-sized particles (1-1000 nm), and solutions have small particles, dissolved at the molecular or ionic level (<1 nm). - Visibility of Particles: Suspensions have visible particles, colloids have particles visible under a microscope, and solutions have invisible particles. - Filtration: Suspensions can be separated by filtration, colloids cannot be separated by typical filtration techniques, and solutions cannot be separated by filtration. - Sedimentation: Suspensions undergo sedimentation, colloids do not settle down, and there is no sedimentation in solutions. - Effect on Light (Tyndall Effect): Suspensions show a strong Tyndall effect, colloids show a lesser Tyndall effect, and solutions do not show the Tyndall effect.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Suspensions, Colloids, and Solutions

Suspensions, colloids, and solutions are three types of mixtures that differ in their properties. Suspensions are mixtures in which particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas, colloids have particles that are larger than those in solutions but smaller than those in suspensions, and solutions are homogeneous mixtures with particles at the molecular or ionic level.

Particle Size

- Suspensions: Large particles (greater than 1000 nm) - Colloids: Intermediate-sized particles (1 nm to 1000 nm) - Solutions: Small particles, dissolved at the molecular or ionic level (less than 1 nm)

Visibility of Particles

- Suspensions: Particles are visible to the naked eye or under a microscope. - Colloids: Particles are not visible to the naked eye but can be seen under a microscope. - Solutions: Particles are invisible to the naked eye and even under a microscope.

Filtration

- Suspensions: Particles can be separated by filtration through a filter paper or fine mesh. - Colloids: Particles cannot be separated through typical filtration techniques. - Solutions: Particles cannot be separated by filtration as they are dissolved at molecular or ionic level.

Sedimentation

- Suspensions: Particles settle down over time due to gravity. - Colloids: Particles do not settle down; they remain dispersed in the medium. - Solutions: There is no sedimentation in solutions as particles are dissolved.

Effect on Light (Tyndall Effect)

- Suspensions: Suspensions show a strong Tyndall effect, scattering light in all directions. - Colloids: Colloids also show the Tyndall effect, but to a lesser extent than suspensions. - Solutions: Solutions do not show the Tyndall effect, as there are no particles to scatter the light. In conclusion, we have compared the properties of suspensions, colloids, and solutions, focusing on particle size, visibility of particles, filtration, sedimentation, and effect on light (Tyndall effect).

Key concepts

Suspensions

Suspensions are a type of mixture where large particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas. These particles are typically greater than 1000 nanometers in diameter. Because of their size, these particles can often be observed with the naked eye or under a simple microscope.
The significant characteristic of suspensions is that they are not stable over time. The large particles tend to settle out under the influence of gravity. For instance, if you imagine a mixture like sand in water, you can see how the sand eventually settles at the bottom.
Another essential feature of suspensions is that they can be separated using filtration. This means when you pour a suspension through filter paper, the filter will trap the larger particles, separating them from the liquid or gas part of the mixture. Suspensions also show the Tyndall effect very clearly, scattering a beam of light as it passes through, due to the large size of the particles.

Colloids

Colloids are mixtures with particles that range between 1 nanometer and 1000 nanometers. These particles are larger than those found in solutions but smaller than those found in suspensions.
Because of their intermediate size, colloidal particles are not visible to the naked eye but can be seen with the help of a microscope. Despite this, colloidal particles do not settle over time, which makes colloids appear uniform.
Unlike suspensions, colloids cannot be separated by standard filtration methods because the particles are too small to be trapped by filter paper. Colloids do, however, produce a Tyndall effect, scattering light as it goes through them, although this is less intense compared to suspensions. A classic example of a colloid is milk, where the fat droplets are dispersed through the liquid.

Solutions

Solutions are mixtures where particles are present at the molecular or ionic level, which is usually less than 1 nanometer in size. These mixtures are completely homogeneous, meaning they have a uniform composition throughout.
Since the particles in a solution are so small, they are invisible to the naked eye and even under a microscope. This also means that solutions do not separate over time; the dissolved substances are evenly spread out in the solvent.
Separation by filtration is not possible in solutions, as the particles are too small and are not suspended but dissolved at the molecular level. Solutions do not exhibit the Tyndall effect because there are no large particles present to scatter light. A simple example of a solution is saltwater, where salt (sodium chloride) is dissolved in water.