Which of the following is a characteristic of a colloidal solution?
Particles scatter a beam of light
Correct Answer: Particles scatter a beam of light
The Tyndall effect — scattering of light by colloid particles — is the most definitive characteristic of a colloidal solution.
- True solutions → No Tyndall effect (particles too small to scatter light)
- Colloidal solutions → Tyndall effect observed ✓
- Suspensions → Large particles; scatter and also allow settling
Other facts about colloids:
- Particles are not visible under ordinary microscope (but visible under ultramicroscope — Brownian motion)
- Particles do not settle on standing
- Particles pass through filter paper but not through semipermeable membrane
'Invisible under microscope' also applies to true solutions and is not the most definitive characteristic.
Similar Questions
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Which property most definitively distinguishes a suspension from a colloid?
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Colloid is a .
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances is known as the-
A substance that increases the rate of a reaction without itself being consumed is called _____________.
The gas used in artificial ripening of green fruits is
Which of the following is a positively charged Sol?
