What is Suspension? Definition, Meaning & Example
A suspension is a mixture where small particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance but do not dissolve or remain evenly distributed.
TL;DR: A suspension is a mixture where small particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance but do not dissolve or remain evenly distributed.
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Suspension: A suspension is a mixture where small particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance but do not dissolve or remain evenly distributed.
Explanation
In a suspension, solid particles are suspended throughout a liquid but eventually settle at the bottom due to gravity. The particles are larger than in colloids or solutions, typically visible to the naked eye. Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures that appear cloudy or opaque. Common examples include muddy water, paint, and flour mixed in water. Suspensions need to be stirred regularly to keep particles evenly distributed. They are different from solutions where solutes dissolve completely and from colloids where particles remain suspended indefinitely.
Example
Sand suspended in water is a suspension because sand particles eventually settle at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to particles in a suspension over time?
Particles in a suspension gradually settle at the bottom due to gravity. This is why suspensions need to be stirred or shaken to redistribute particles. Unlike colloids, suspensions do not remain stable indefinitely.
How are suspensions different from emulsions?
Suspensions have solid particles dispersed in liquids. Emulsions have tiny droplets of one liquid dispersed in another immiscible liquid. Emulsions require emulsifiers to remain stable while suspensions simply need to be mixed.
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