What is Colloid? Definition, Meaning & Example
A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed throughout another substance, but the particles are larger than in true solution
TL;DR: A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed throughout another substance, but the particles are larger than in true sol…
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Colloid: A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed throughout another substance, but the particles are larger than in true solutions.
Explanation
Colloids are heterogeneous mixtures where colloidal particles range from 1 to 1000 nanometers in size, larger than dissolved molecules but smaller than suspended particles. Examples include milk, fog, smoke, and mayonnaise. Colloidal particles do not dissolve or settle out quickly like suspended particles. They exhibit the Tyndall effect where light passing through a colloid is scattered. Colloids are important in food, medicine, cosmetics, and industrial processes. Many natural substances like blood and butter are colloids.
Example
Milk is a colloid where fat globules and protein particles are dispersed throughout water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a colloid different from a solution?
Colloid particles are larger and do not dissolve completely. True solutions are transparent while colloids appear cloudy or opaque due to particle size. Colloid particles can be separated by special techniques while dissolved particles cannot.
What is the Tyndall effect?
The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by colloidal particles. When light passes through a colloid, the large particles scatter light, making the path of the light visible. True solutions do not show this effect.
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