Colloid Stability Explained
A colloid is considered stable primarily because its dispersed particles are kept suspended within the dispersion medium and do not separate out easily.
Key Reason for Colloid Stability
- Non-Settling Particles: The main reason a colloid is stable is that its dispersed particles are small enough and possess enough kinetic energy (due to Brownian motion) or surface charge repulsion to remain suspended indefinitely. They do not settle down under the influence of gravity when left undisturbed. This is the defining characteristic of a stable colloidal system.
Analyzing Other Options
- Option 1 (Dissolve completely): This describes a true solution, where particles are molecularly dispersed and completely dissolved, not a colloid.
- Option 2 (Separated by filtration): Colloidal particles cannot be easily separated by ordinary filtration, though they can be separated by ultrafiltration. This is a property, not the primary reason for stability.
- Option 4 (Chemical reaction): Stability in colloids is generally due to physical factors (Brownian motion, electrostatic repulsion), not chemical reactions with the medium. Chemical reactions can often lead to destabilization.
Therefore, the inability of colloidal particles to settle down is the hallmark of their stability.
Similar Questions
Which of the following options does NOT represent a property of solids?
Which of the following statements is correct about continuous movement of particles of matter?
Which of the following options does not represent a property of suspension?
The particle size of a solution is:
In our body, brain and spinal cord together constitute the:
Solid CO2 gets converted directly into the gaseous state upon decreasing the pressure to _________.
Which of the following is an example of heterogeneous solution?
Which of the following examples shows that particles of matter have enough?
- Why does the palm feel cool when acetone is poured on it?
- What property of gases allows them to fill any container completely?
Important Questions from States of Matter
Which is correct statement ?
According to Charle's Law, which of the following is constant?
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
I. Mass vapor is obtained in the air by evaporation and transpiration.
II. Water circulation between the oceans and the water bodies is called the water cycle.
Which of the following statements is not correct regarding matter?
What is the term used to refer to the process of conversion of water vapour back to water?
