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Colloidal Solution

Colloidal Solution 

A heterogeneous solution in which the particle size is in between 10–7 cm to 10–4 cm such that the solute particles neither dissolve nor settle down in a solvent, is called colloidal solution. Blood is an example of colloid. Its components can be separated using centrifugation.

The components of a colloidal solution are the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium. 

1.0Dispersed Phase

It is the component which is present in small proportions and consists of particles of colloidal dimensions (10–9 m to 10–6 m).

2.0Dispersion Medium

It is the component which is present in excess and acts as a medium in which colloidal particles are dispersed.

3.0Types of Colloids

Types of colloids

Dispersed Phase

Dispersion medium

Type of colloid

Examples

Liquid

Gas

Liquid Aerosol

Mist, Fog, clouds, insecticide sprays

Solid

Gas

Solid Aerosol

Smoke, dust in air, smog, automobile exhaust

Gas

Liquid

Foam, Froth

Whipped cream, froth, shaving cream

Liquid

Liquid

Emulsion

Milk, hair cream, emulsified oils, medicines, cold cream

Solid

Liquid

Sol

Paints, starch, proteins, milk of magnesia, mud, blood

Gas

Solid

Solid foam

Foam, pumice stone, ice-cream, rubber, sponge

Liquid

Solid

Gel

Jellies, cheese, butter, boot polish

Solid

Solid

Solid sol

Coloured glass, gemstones, pearls, milky glass

4.0Properties of Colloids

(1) A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture but it appears homogeneous.

(2) The size of particles of a colloid is too small to be individually seen by naked eyes.

(3) The colloidal particles do not settle down when left undisturbed i.e. colloid is quite stable.

(4) The colloid particles cannot be separated from the dispersion medium by the process of filtration. A special technique of separation known as centrifugation can be used to separate the colloidal particles.  

(5) Colloidal solutions are not transparent, but translucent in nature.

(6) Particles in a colloidal solution follow a zig zag path (Brownian movement). 

Fogg

It is normally not possible to see the colloidal particles because of their very small size. However, their path can be seen under a microscope. 

Brownian movement may be defined as continuous zig-zag movement of colloidal particles in a colloid. This Brownian movement arises due to hitting of the colloidal particles by the particles of the dispersion medium from different directions with different forces.

(7) Colloidal solution scatters the beam of light passing through it. (Tyndall effect) 

As a result, the path of light becomes visible. This scattering of a beam of light by colloidal particles is called the Tyndall effect. The reason for this observation is that the particles of a colloidal solution are big enough to scatter light and hence the path of light becomes visible i.e. the Tyndall effect is observed.

For example,

(i) Tyndall effect can also be observed when a fine beam of light enters a room through a small hole. This happens due to the scattering of light by the particles of dust and smoke in the air.

(ii) Tyndall effect can be observed when sunlight passes through the canopy of a dense forest. In the forest, mist contains tiny droplets of water, which act as particles of colloids dispersed in air.

Difference between true solutions, suspensions and colloidal solutions

Property

True Solutions

Suspensions

Colloidal Solutions

Particle size

Less than 10–9 m/10–7 cm/1 nm

Greater than 

10–6 m/10–4 cm / 1000 nm

(10–9 to 10–6 m)/

(10–7 to 10–4 cm)/ 

(1 to 1000 nm)

Visibility of particles

Invisible to naked

eye and under a powerful microscope.

Easily visible

Invisible to naked

eye. Visible under

powerful microscope.

Sedimentation of particles

Do not settle down.

Settle down

due to gravity.

Settle down under high centrifugation.

Filtration through filter paper

No residue is

formed.

Residue is

formed.

No residue is formed.

Mixture type

Homogeneous

Heterogeneous

Heterogeneous

Appearance

Clear and Transparent

Translucent or Opaque

Translucent

5.0Also Read

Frequently Asked Questions

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