Key Research On Properties Of Suspensions

A mixture is formed when two or more substances are combined, but they are not combined chemically. They are divided into suspensions and colloids. Suspensions have unique characteristics and differ in their solubility. Due to these properties, suspensions are used in many commercial processes. A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where the solute particles do not dissolve, but rather get suspended in the solvent and float around freely in the medium. Mechanical agitation and the application of ingredients called suspending agents help disseminate the internal components (solid) throughout the exterior phase (fluid). Using the filtration method, these particles can be separated from the dispersed phase. 

Properties of suspensions

The properties of suspensions are given below:

• A suspension is a heterogeneous solution where several particles migrate out of the mixture when it is left standing.

• The size of the solute in a suspension is large and over 100 mm in diameter.

• The particles of a suspension are easily visible.

• The particles in a suspension do not pass through a filter paper. Thus, filtration can be used to separate a suspension.

• The suspension is wobbly. The particles in a suspension settle down after some time.

• A suspension diffuses a light beam that travels through it due to its large particle size.

Examples of suspensions

Some popular examples of suspensions are given below:

• Muddy water

• A mixture of chalk and water

• Lemonade

• A mixture of flour and water

• Magnesium hydroxide and water (Milk of Magnesia)

• A mixture of sand and water

• Paints (water-based)

• A mixture of slaked lime (Calcium hydroxide) in water

Define solution

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more components. A solution comprises two components: a solvent and a solute. The component dissolved in a solvent is referred to as a solute. Solubility relates to the quantity of solute dissolved in a solvent. For example, salt is the solute mixed with water as the solvent in a saline solution.

Solutes are present in a lower concentration in solutions containing components in the same phase, whereas solvents are abundant. In the case of air, the solutes are oxygen and carbon gases, whereas the solvent is nitrogen gas.

Properties of solutions

Here are some of the properties of a solution:

• The molecules in a solution have a diameter of less than 1 nm.

• A solution is a homogeneous mixture.

• Simple physical separation methods, such as filtration, cannot separate solution particles.

• The solution’s particles are invisible to the human eye.

What are colloids?

A colloid is a combination in which one material is suspended evenly over the entire substance and contains microscopically scattered insoluble particles. Some definitions require the particles to be distributed in a liquid, whereas others broaden the scope to include aerosols and gels. The phrase colloidal suspension refers to the entire combination comprising a dispersed phase (suspension particles) and a continuous phase in a colloid (suspension medium). The dispersed phase granules measure around 1 nm to 1 mm in diameter.

Differences between suspension and colloids

Conclusion

Suspensions are essential in chemistry due to their various applications. They are used in the formation of different gases and liquids. They are often used in the paint and perfume industries for their production. Besides these, suspensions are also used in various households daily.Colloids are homogeneous or heterogeneous mixtures which  do not settle down influenced by gravity under normal conditions.