Question

Define the terms; solution, suspension and colloid. Make a comparison of their size of particles.

Answer 1

1. Solution: A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances in which solute dissolves completely in the solvent. Example - sugar dissolved in water.
2. Suspension: It is a heterogeneous mixture in which the solute does not dissolve but remains suspended in the bulk of the solution. Example- sand in water.
3. Colloid: A colloid is a mixture in which particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance. Example- milk.
4. The particle size of a true solution is less than 1nm while that of colloids lies between 1nm - 100nm and the particle size of suspension is greater than 100nm.
5. Therefore, the particle size increases in the order: True solution < Colloid < Suspension.