Question

Explain the following giving examples:

Suspension

Answer 1

Suspension: A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the diameter of the particles of solute is greater than ${10}^{-6}\mathrm{m}$.

• In suspensions, solute particles do not dissolve in the solvent but remain suspended in it.
• The solute particles are clearly visible to the naked eye.
• Suspensions are regarded as unstable as the solute particles separate out from the mixture and settle down at the bottom of the container whereas fine particles of suspensions remain suspended in the solvent.
• Suspensions are generally hazy or murky in appearance.
• Suspension particles can be separated through filtration by the use of filter paper as they do not pass through its pores.
• Suspension do not scatter a beam of light passing through them and do not make its path visible i.e.; they do not show the Tyndall effect in general. However, fine sized suspensions may show the Tyndall effect.
• Suspensions are opaque to light as they do not allow light to pass through it.
• Examples: Muddy water, sand in water etc.