What's the difference between a colloid and a solution?

2 ⤊

What's the difference between a colloid and a solution?

Or is a colloid a type of solution? Thanks a lot.

2007-02-23 20:07:59 · 2 answers · asked by kmm4864990 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

A colloid has bigger particles than a solution. A colloid will scatter light when a beam (eg from a laser) is passed through. A solution won't.

2007-02-23 20:21:59 · answer #1 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

A colloid is a suspension - there are still discrete particles in the liquid so it looks cloudy: add a small amount, say a teaspoonful, of milk to a pint of water and you'll see it's still slightly opaque. A solution has no particles, the stuff added is completely dissolved in the liquid.

2007-02-24 04:23:29 · answer #2 · answered by JJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋