Question

How are the colloidal solutions classified on the basis of physical states of the dispersed phase and dispersion medium?

Answer 1

One criterion for classifying colloids is the physical state of the dispersed phase and dispersion medium. Depending upon the type of the dispersed phase and dispersion medium (solid, liquid, or gas), there can be eight types of colloidal systems.

Dispersed phase		Dispersion medium	Type of colloid	Example
1.	Solid	Solid	Solid Sol	Gemstone
2.	Solid	Liquid	Sol	Paint
3.	Solid	Gas	Aerosol	Smoke
4.	Liquid	Solid	Gel	Cheese
5.	Liquid	Liquid	Emulsion	Milk
6.	Liquid	Gas	Aerosol	Fog
7.	Gas	Solid	Solid foam	Pumice stone
8.	Gas	Liquid	Foam	Froth