Which of the following is the correct statement about colloidal solutions?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option D: The components of a colloidal solution are the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.. A colloidal solution (or colloid) is a heterogeneous mixture in which the particle size of the dispersed phase lies strictly between $1	ext{ nm}$ and $1000	ext{ nm}$. Because of this intermediate size, colloidal particles are large enough to scatter a beam of light (Tyndall effect) making their path visible, yet small enough not to settle down under gravity, making them stable.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
A colloidal solution (or colloid) is a heterogeneous mixture in which the particle size of the dispersed phase lies strictly between $1	ext{ nm}$ and $1000	ext{ nm}$. Because of this intermediate size, colloidal particles are large enough to scatter a beam of light (Tyndall effect) making their path visible, yet small enough not to settle down under gravity, making them stable.

Working Principle: Colloids consist of two principal components: the dispersed phase (the substance distributed) and the dispersion medium (the continuous phase in which it is dispersed). Due to the smallness of particles (not too small like true solutions $1000	ext{ nm}$), light waves undergo scattering rather than straight-line transmission or complete absorption, producing the Tyndall effect.

Key Formulas: $1	ext{ nm} \le 	ext{ Particle Size} \le 1000	ext{ nm}$ — Colloidal particle size range

Key Points: Colloids are heterogeneous systems consisting of a dispersed phase and a dispersion medium.; The particle size is intermediate ($1	ext{ nm}$ to $1000	ext{ nm}$), meaning they are not too small to pass through filter paper easily.; They exhibit the Tyndall effect, unlike true solutions.; Colloidal particles do not settle down under normal conditions, making them quite stable.

Advantages: High surface area due to small particle size, making them excellent adsorbents and catalysts.

Disadvantages: Can undergo coagulation or flocculation upon addition of suitable electrolytes.

Applications: Medicines (e.g., colloidal gold, milk of magnesia); Purification of water (coagulation of muddy water by alum); Food industry (milk, butter, ice cream)

Additional Info: Option A is incorrect because colloidal particles are indeed larger than true solution particles (not too small).. Option B is incorrect because colloids are heterogeneous mixtures, not homogeneous.. Option C is incorrect because colloids definitely scatter light (Tyndall effect).

Answer: D is correct — The components of a colloidal solution are the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.

Exam Tip: Always remember that while colloids appear homogeneous to the naked eye (macro-level), they are fundamentally heterogeneous at the microscopic level.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: The size of particles of the colloid is not too small.

Examoogle · Answer

Option B: A colloidal solution is a homogeneous mixture.

Examoogle · Answer

Option C: Colloids do not scatter a beam of light passing through them and make its path visible.

Feature	True Solution	Colloidal Solution
Particle Size	Less than $1\text{ nm}$	$1\text{ nm} - 1000\text{ nm}$
Tyndall Effect	Does not show	Shows
Nature	Homogeneous	Heterogeneous

Feature	True Solution	Colloidal Solution
Particle Size	Less than $1\text{ nm}$	$1\text{ nm} - 1000\text{ nm}$
Tyndall Effect	Does not show	Shows
Nature	Homogeneous	Heterogeneous

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