A heterogeneous mixture containing a liquid in which visible particles settle is called a suspension. In a suspension, solid particles are dispersed in a liquid but are large enough to eventually settle out due to gravity if the mixture is left undisturbed. This distinguishes suspensions from colloids, where particles do not settle, and solutions, where particles are dissolved and not visible.
Explanation of Suspension
- Suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures where solid particles are temporarily suspended in a liquid.
- The particles in a suspension are visible and settle to the bottom upon standing.
- An example of a suspension is sand in water or chocolate milk.
- Suspensions can be separated by physical means such as filtration or decantation.
Related Concepts
- The Tyndall effect, which involves the scattering of light by particles in a mixture, helps distinguish suspensions and colloids from true solutions.
- Colloids have smaller particles than suspensions and do not settle out, while solutions have dissolved particles that are not visible.
This definition and explanation align with standard chemistry sources and educational materials.
