Suspensions

Definition

Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas, but are large enough that they eventually settle out. They can be separated by filtration due to the size of the particles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Particles in a suspension are typically larger than 1 micrometer.
2. Over time, the particles in a suspension will settle out due to gravity.
3. Suspensions can be separated by physical means such as filtration or centrifugation.
4. They exhibit Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by particles in the mixture.
5. Unlike colloids, suspensions are not stable and require agitation to remain mixed.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a suspension from a colloid?
• How can you separate the components of a suspension?
• What is an example of a common suspension you might encounter daily?

Related terms

Colloid: A mixture where very small particles of one substance are evenly distributed throughout another substance. The particles do not settle out over time.

Solution: A homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In solutions, solute particles are molecular or ionic in size and do not settle out.

Tyndall Effect: The scattering of light by particles in a colloid or suspension, which makes the path of light visible.