Which of the following best describes a colloid?

Which of the following best describes a colloid?

• A. A mixture where particles are evenly distributed
• B. A homogeneous mixture with large particles that do not settle
• C. A solution where one substance is dissolved in another
• D. A mixture of two or more gases

Answer: (B)

A colloid is characterized as a homogeneous mixture containing particles that are larger than those found in a solution but smaller than those in a suspension. This mixture typically remains dispersed throughout the medium and does not settle upon standing, which distinguishes colloids from other types of mixtures. The particles in a colloid are small enough that they do not settle out over time, but large enough to scatter light, demonstrating the Tyndall effect. The option describing a colloid correctly highlights these essential characteristics. This is crucial for understanding the behavior of colloidal suspensions in various contexts, such as food science, materials science, and more.

A colloid is characterized as a homogeneous mixture containing particles that are larger than those found in a solution but smaller than those in a suspension. This mixture typically remains dispersed throughout the medium and does not settle upon standing, which distinguishes colloids from other types of mixtures. The particles in a colloid are small enough that they do not settle out over time, but large enough to scatter light, demonstrating the Tyndall effect.

The option describing a colloid correctly highlights these essential characteristics. This is crucial for understanding the behavior of colloidal suspensions in various contexts, such as food science, materials science, and more.