Question

(a) What is meant by a solution ? Give two examples of solutions.
(b) What is a suspension ? Give two examples of suspensions.
(c) What is a colloid ? Give two examples of colloids (or colloidal solutions)

Answer 1

(a) Solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of one phase only. In such a mixture, a solute is a substance dissolved in another substance, known as a solvent. The solvent dissolves the solute in it. The solution more or less takes on the characteristics of the solvent including its phase. Moreover, the solvent is commonly the major fraction of the mixture.
Example: Sugar solution, vinegar, metal alloys

(b) A suspension is a heterogeneous fluid containing solid particles that are sufficiently large for sedimentation. The solids get dispersed throughout the fluid through mechanical agitation with the use of certain suspending agents.
Example: Chalk-water mixture, flour in water, milk of magnesia

(c) Colloidal solution is a heterogeneous mixture, wherein the particle size of the substance is intermediate of true solution and suspension, i.e., between 1 nm to 100 nm. Like true solutions, colloidal particles are small enough and cannot be seen through naked eye. They easily pass through the filter paper. However, these particles are big enough to be blocked by parchment paper or animal membrane.
Example: Starch solution, ink