In this article, differences between true solution, colloidal solution, and suspension are discussed with examples.
Difference Between True Solution, Colloidal Solution, and Suspension
In the following table, differences between True Solution, Colloidal Solution, and Suspension are given depending on particle size, osmotic pressure, visibility, examples, and more.
| True Solution | Colloidal Solution | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| The solute particles in a true solution are not visible, even with a powerful microscope. | The molecules of the dispersed phase cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, they can be made visible through a powerful microscope called an ultramicroscope. | The particles are so big that they are visible even to the naked eye. They sometimes settle at the bottom of the container when the mixture is allowed to stand. |
| The particle size is below 1 mm in diameter. | The particle size is 1-100 mm in diameter. | The particle size is above 100 mm in diameter. |
| A true solution forms a homogeneous mixture. | A colloidal solution is heterogeneous. | The suspension is completely a heterogeneous mixture. |
| The particles of the solute in a true can pass through a parchment membrane. | The particles of a colloidal solution can’t pass through a parchment membrane. | The suspension particles cannot pass through the parchment membrane. |
| The solute particles in true solution can pass through even fine filter papers. | The colloidal particles can also pass through ordinary filter papers called ultrafilters. | The suspended particles are retained even lay ordinary filter papers. |
| The osmotic pressure exerted by the solution is relatively more. | Colloidal solutions exert very low osmotic pressure. | No osmotic pressure is observed. |
| When a strong beam of light is through on a true solution, the path of light is not illuminated. | The light path is visible due to the scattering of light when a strong beam of light is passed through the colloidal solution (Tynotall effect). | No Tyndall effect is observed. |
| The solutions do not possess the property of adsorption (a surface phenomenon). | The colloidal solution passes the remarkable property of adsorption. | The phenomenon of adsorption is much less marked. |
| No electrical properties such as electro-osmosis, cataphoresis, and coagulation are observed. | Colloidal solutions exhibit these electrical properties to a great extent. | No such electrical properties are exhibited. |
| Examples of true solutions are the aqueous solutions of NaCl, CuSO4 sugar etc. | Examples of colloidal solutions are gum in water, a solution of NaCl in alcohol etc. | Examples of suspension are muddy river water, an aqueous solution of PbSO4, an Aqueous Solution of CaSO4 etc. |
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