Solutions, Colloids, and Suspensions

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What is a suspension?

Back

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but are not dissolved. The particles can settle over time.

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What is a heterogeneous mixture?

Back

A heterogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the composition is not uniform throughout, meaning different components can be seen and separated.

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What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution. In a sugar-water mixture, water is the solvent.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance (solute) is completely dissolved in another (solvent), such as sugar dissolved in water.

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What is a colloid?

Back

A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles are dispersed throughout a medium but do not settle out. Colloids exhibit the Tyndall effect.

Front

What is the Tyndall effect?

Back

The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid, making the path of the light visible.

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Give an example of a colloid.

Back

An example of a colloid is milk, which contains fat particles dispersed in water.

Front

What happens to particles in a suspension over time?

Back

In a suspension, the solid particles can settle to the bottom over time if left undisturbed.

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What is an example of a heterogeneous mixture?

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An example of a heterogeneous mixture is Italian dressing, which contains oil, vinegar, and spices that do not mix uniformly.

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What is the difference between a solution and a suspension?

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A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute is completely dissolved, while a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles are not dissolved and can settle.