Colloid

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Colloid

A colloid (/kɒlɔɪd/; from Greek κολλώδης kolloides, "gluey") is a type of chemical mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another. The particles of the dispersed substance are only suspended in the mixture, unlike in a solution, where they are completely dissolved. This occurs because the particles in a colloid are larger than in a solution – they range from 1 to 1000 nanometers and can be seen under a microscope.

Etymology

The term "colloid" originates from the Greek word kolloides which means "glue-like". This refers to the property of colloids to stick to the surfaces they come in contact with.

Types of Colloids

Colloids can be classified into different types based on the nature of interaction between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium. These include:

  • Aerosol: A colloid consisting of tiny particles suspended in air or gas.
  • Emulsion: A colloid made by combining two liquids that normally don't mix together.
  • Foam: A colloid that is a gas dispersed in a liquid or solid.
  • Sol: A solid dispersed in a liquid.
  • Gel: A colloid where the dispersed substance has combined with the dispersion medium to produce a semi-solid material.

Properties of Colloids

Colloids exhibit several unique properties, including the Tyndall effect, Brownian motion, and the ability to form colloidal crystals. These properties are due to the large size of the dispersed particles and their interaction with the dispersion medium.

Applications of Colloids

Colloids have many practical applications in various fields such as medicine, industry, and daily life. For example, colloidal silver is used as an antiseptic, while colloidal solutions are used in the manufacture of paints, inks, and synthetic rubbers.

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