Dispersion and suspension, these two terms come when we talk about colloids. The colloids are also known as a colloidal solution and colloidal system. A colloid is a mixture in which different particle size solutes are emerged or partially dissolved or dispersed in the solvent.
What are Dispersions?
A system or solutions (not true solutions) in which distributed solute/particles of one material dispersed in a continuous dispersed phase of another material is called dispersion.
What are Suspensions?
A mixture of a finely dispersed solid in a liquid is called suspension. Suspension is heterogeneous. In another word, the suspension is a heterogenous mixture where solute-like particles settle out of the phase (solvent-like) after their introduction.
What are the differences between Colloidal Dispersions and Suspensions?
| SL | Dispersion | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Particle size in dispersion is about 1nm to 200nm. | Particle size in suspensions is larger than that (200+ nm approx.). |
| 2 | Here the solute can emerge, partially dissolved, or dispersed. | In suspension, solute-like particles are only dispersed. They do not dissolve. |
| 3 | Dispersion is homogeneous but borderline. It is homogeneous because the particles are small enough to observe with our naked eye. | Suspension is heterogeneous because the particles are of a bigger size. |
| 4 | Dispersions are less stable to gravity. | Suspension is unstable to gravity. |
| 5 | They diffuse slowly. | They do not diffuse. |
| 6 | Dispersion shows Tyndal Effect. | Suspension don't. |
| 7 | Dispersion has Brownian movement. | Suspension don't. |
| 8 | They can not be filtered. | They can be separated by filtration. |
| 9 | Milk is an example of dispersion. | Muddy water is an example of a suspension. |
FAQs
1. What are Colloids?
Ans: A colloid is a mixture in which different particle size solutes are emerged or partially dissolved or dispersed in the solvent.
2. What are some examples of Colloids?
Ans: There are a lot of colloids on this earth. Blood is one type of colloids called sol. Ruby glass, paint, ink, dust, milk, hair cream, fog, shaving cream all are colloids.
3. What are some examples of Suspension?
Ans: Muddy water, sand in water, flour suspended in water, kimchi on vinegar, etc.
4. Can dispersion be separated using filtration?
Ans: No. Dispersions cannot be separated using filtration. But it is possible with suspension.
