The particles can be seen distinctly in the dispersion medium (solvent) by the naked eye or under an ordinary microscope. In suspension, the particle size is of the order of 10 -5 cm or larger. Lies in the size of the dispersed particles. 5) is present in 1000 ml of a solution, it will be known as 1M (1 molar) solution of NaCl.ĭispersion may give rise to a homogeneous (solution) or heterogeneous material (a suspension or a colloid).

The number of moles of a solute present in one litre of a solution is called the molarity of that solution. The concentration may be expressed in terms of either mass or moles. The compositions of such solutions are expressed as concentration, which refers to the quantity of a solute dissolved in a definite weight or volume of the solution. The solutions which we generally come across are not saturated. The solution in which no more solute is soluble in the solvent, at given temperature and pressure conditions is said to be a saturated solution under those specified conditions. For example, solubility of salt/sugar increases with the rise in temperature. Solubility varies with temperature and pressure. It means that no more solute is dissolved in the solvent at the given temperature and pressure. This solution so obtained is said to be a saturated solution. The maximum mass of substance that is dissolved in 100 g of a solvent under a particular condition of temperature and pressure (for example, the conditions of room temperature and pressure) is referred to as the solubility of that substance in that solvent under the specified conditions. The component present in a smaller quantity is called the solute. The component that is present in a larger amount is called the solvent.

A colloidal of starch in water and egg albumin in waterĭistinguish between the above solutions on the basis of:Ī Solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.

A suspension of soil, chalk powder and fine sand in water.

A true solution of common salt, sugar and alum.

Centrifugal force separates the solid particles from the liquid.

To accelerate the process of sedimentation in a suspension (for example, in chemistry), centrifuges can be used.

The particles separate very slowly from the liquid or not at all. The fine particles are held in suspension by molecular movement.

Stable suspensions can form with very small solid particles (particle size below 1 µm). The solid settles on the ground or forms a sediment, for example, in tanks or containers. Suspensions separate over time due to gravity.

Suspension or solution