Understanding Colloids and Solutions

Front

What is a colloid?

Back

A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed in another substance, and these particles do not settle out upon standing.

Front

What is a solution?

Back

A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed when a solute dissolves in a solvent.

Front

What factors affect the rate of dissolution of a solute in a solvent?

Back

Factors include temperature, surface area of the solute, stirring or agitation, but not the color of the solute.

Front

What is an electrolyte?

Back

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water, due to the presence of ions.

Front

What is a nonelectrolyte?

Back

A nonelectrolyte is a substance that does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water, typically because it does not dissociate into ions.

Front

How does temperature affect the solubility of solids in liquids?

Back

Generally, increasing the temperature increases the solubility of solids in liquids.

Front

What is the Tyndall effect?

Back

The Tyndall effect is the scattering of light by colloidal particles, which makes the path of the light beam visible.

Front

What distinguishes a colloid from a solution?

Back

In a colloid, the particles are larger and can scatter light, while in a solution, the solute particles are at the molecular or ionic level and do not scatter light.

Front

What is the role of surface area in the dissolution process?

Back

Increasing the surface area of a solute (e.g., by crushing it) increases the rate of dissolution.

Front

What happens to colloidal particles when a colloid is left to stand?

Back

Colloidal particles do not settle upon standing, unlike particles in a suspension.