Key Differences
| Feature | Solution | Colloid | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | Dissolved particles are *less than 1 nanometer* (nm) in diameter. | Particles are *between 1 nm and 1000 nm* in diameter. | Particles are *greater than 1000 nm* in diameter. |
| Visibility | Particles are *invisible* even with a microscope. | Particles are *not visible* to the naked eye but can be seen with an electron microscope. | Particles are *visible* to the naked eye. |
| Separation | Particles cannot be separated by filtration or sedimentation. | Particles can be separated by ultrafiltration but not by normal filtration. | Particles can be separated by filtration and will settle out over time. |
| Tyndall Effect | No Tyndall effect (light does not scatter). | Shows the Tyndall effect (light scatters). | Shows the Tyndall effect (light scatters). |
| Examples | Sugar dissolved in water, salt dissolved in water | Milk, fog, paint | Muddy water, sand in water |
Explanation:
* Solutions: In a solution, the solute (the dissolved substance) is completely dispersed into the solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). The particles are so small that they don't scatter light, and they can't be separated by filtration.
* Colloids: Colloids are a bit like a "middle ground" between solutions and suspensions. The dispersed particles are larger than in a solution, but still small enough to stay suspended. Colloids exhibit the Tyndall effect, meaning they scatter light, making them appear cloudy or opaque.
* Suspensions: In a suspension, the particles are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. They will settle out over time if left undisturbed, and they can be easily separated by filtration.
Remember: The distinction between these types of mixtures is based on particle size. The smaller the particle, the more dispersed it is in the mixture, and the more likely it is to be considered a solution.
