What is a Suspension?

Basically, a suspension is a chemical mixture composed of two different phases of matter. These phases can be gas, liquid, or solid. The particles that make up a suspension are much larger than the particles that make up a solution.

The size of particles in suspensions can range from one micrometer to hundreds of meters in diameter. This is because suspensions are not homogenous. They are made of two different phases of matter mixed together, which makes them unstable thermodynamically. However, suspensions can be kinetically stable over long periods of time. This is why suspensions are found in cars. They are able to absorb shocks, limiting the amount of energy that is transferred from potholes and uneven road surfaces. A suspension may also contain preservatives, flavours, and thickeners.

Generally, suspensions are classified as colloidal, solid, or liquid. Colloids are composed of particles that are smaller than those that make up a solution. They can be easily distinguished from solutions by the Tyndall effect. A suspension can also be classified as an aerosol, which is the suspension of liquid droplets in gas. The particles in a suspension are large enough to scatter light.

Particles in suspensions can be separated through physical methods, such as filtration. However, these methods are not as reliable as using a microscope. This is because suspensions have solid particles that are big enough to sediment. They also may settle out over time. This is because gravity can pull the particles down. However, the particles that are visible will remain in the suspension unless actively mixed.

In addition, suspensions can be classified by their dispersion medium. Colloid is a mixture of solid particles that are larger than those that make up a solution. For example, sand and water are the two most common suspensions. However, mud and water are also suspensions. If you put sand and water in a bucket, the particles will settle at the bottom. Sand and water also form suspensions when mixed with oil. This is because oil particles are hydrophobic, and water molecules are polar. The water molecules are attracted to each other.

Colloids are also easily seen by the naked eye. However, a suspension can also be classified as an aerosol, if the particles are small enough to be suspended in gas. Similarly, suspensions can be classified as a solid, liquid, or gas based on the dispersion medium. This is because suspensions can contain solid particles, and liquids and gases can form colloidal dispersion.

Typically, suspensions are cloudy. They can also be cloudy when they are in solution. This is because suspensions contain solid particles that are large enough to scatter light. They can also be cloudy when they have settled out. They can also be cloudy when they contain a thickening agent.

Dispersion medium is the equivalent of a solvent. The dispersion medium can be a liquid, gas, or solid. When suspensions are mixed with a dispersion medium, the particles are able to dissolve into the liquid and gas.