The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid or solution. When a beam of light passes through a colloidal dispersion, the particles scatter the light, making the dispersion appear cloudy or opaque. On the other hand, a true solution appears clear because the solute particles are too small to scatter light.

The Tyndall effect can be used to distinguish between a colloid and a solution by observing the way the light is scattered. If the dispersion scatters light, then it is a colloid. If the dispersion does not scatter light, then it is a solution.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between colloids and solutions:

| Property | Colloid | Solution |

|---|---|---|

| Particle size | 1 nm - 1000 nm | Smaller than 1 nm |

| Scattering of light | Yes (Tyndall effect) | No |

| Appearance | Cloudy or opaque | Clear |

| Examples | Milk, fog, mayonnaise | Sugar water, salt water, vinegar |