Chapter 15, Problem 54A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Colloids, suspension, and solutions should be arranged in order of increasing particle size.

Concept Introduction: A solution is a homogenous mixture of two or more substances. Here, the size of particles is in the range of 0.01-1 nm. A colloid can be defined as a heterogeneous substance (non-crystalline) where large molecules or particles of a substance are dispersed through another substance. In a colloid, particles do not settle and the separation of particles of one substance from other cannot be done by filtering or centrifuging process. A suspension is a heterogenous mixture where particles can settle out from the mixture if it is standing undisturbed. The size of particles in a suspension is larger than those of a solution. Since different substances in the mixture are not uniformly distributed, thus, suspensions are considered to be heterogenous mixtures.

Explanation of Solution

The size of particles in the true solution ranges from 0.01=1 nm. In a colloid, the particle size is slightly larger and ranges from 1-1000 nm. In suspension, the size of particles is highest with a range above 1000 nm. Therefore, the order of increasing particle size will be:

  $\text{True solution < Colloid < Suspension}$