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A solution is a form of a homogenous mixture that is made up of two or more substances. A solute is a material dissolved in another material, known as a solvent. The mixing of a solution occurs at a scale in which the effects of chemical polarity are present, resulting in solvation-specific interactions. True and colloidal solutions are the two most common forms of solutions. Both of these solutions have distinct properties that are useful for various industrial and commercial applications. True solutions have unique qualities that are not affected by the Tyndall effect.
True Solution
A real solution is a mixture that is homogeneous and has consistent qualities. The solute cannot be separated from the real solution by filtration. The particle size of the solute is similar to that of the solvent, and the solvent and solute pass through the filter paper simultaneously.
Two or more substances homogeneously mix in a true solution. Here, the material dissolved (solute) in the solvent has a particle size of less than 10-9 m or 1 nm.
Properties
The properties of a true solution are as follows.
- Light does not disperse in a true solution
- The constituents of a true solution (the solvent and the solute) cannot be separated by filtration
- This is because both the solute particles and the solvent molecules are quite tiny (10-10 m) than the filter paper pores
- A homogeneous mixture is a real solution (or simply a solution)
- Under a microscope, the solvent and solute molecule cannot be distinguished in a real solution
- A true solution has the same composition and properties throughout
- The solute particles cannot settle in a true solution
- A true solution is clear and transparent
True Solution Examples
- To make a true concentration of common salt, fill a clean and dry beaker with 100 mL distilled water and add dry regular salt
- Stir the contents with a glass rod. Common salt dissolves completely to make a real solution
- A true alum solution: Fill a clean and dry beaker with 100 mL distilled water; then, add a teaspoon of alum powder and stir with a glass rod
- When alum dissolves in water, it forms a real solution
- Make a true sugar solution by pouring 100 mL of water into a completely dry beaker, add a few crystals of sugar, and stir with a glass rod
- The sugar dissolves in water to make a real solution
True and Colloidal Solutions: Difference
True Solution | Colloidal Solution |
True Solution does not exhibit the Tyndall effect | The colloids in a colloidal suspension exhibit the Tyndall effect |
Particles of a True solution do not sediment | A colloid’s particles may settle occasionally |
True solutions are liquid-phase combinations where the solute and solvent combine properly | They are those in which the solute is evenly dispersed throughout the solvent |
True solutions are transparent liquids | Colloidal solutions are translucent liquids |
The particles are less than 1 nm | The particles range in size from 1-1000 nm |
The particle of the true solution is invisible to the naked eye | Colloidal solution particles can be seen with an electron microscope but not by the naked eye |
The solution is homogeneous | The solution is heterogeneous |
The diffusion of the particle in this solution is smooth and simple through parchment and filter paper | Colloidal solution particles do not diffuse across parchment paper, but they do pass past the filter paper |
True solution particles do not display Brownian motion | Colloidal solution particles display Brownian motion |
Example – Sugar is soluble in water | Example – Starch is soluble in water |
Conclusion
True Solution is an important type of solution, which displays the ideal properties of a solution. Its characteristics are desired in any solution; hence, it is crucial to compare different colloidal solutions with a true solution for various applications.
