Chapter 3: Dissolution in Water - Summary Notes
1. Solutions
A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance dissolves completely in another.
● Components:
○ Solute: The substance that dissolves (e.g., sugar, salt).
○ Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute (e.g., water, ethanol).
○ Solution: The uniform mixture formed.
● Examples:
○ Saltwater (salt + water)
○ Vinegar (acetic acid + water)
○ Soft drinks (carbon dioxide + water)
● Characteristics of Solutions:
○ Clear and transparent.
○ Particles are very small (<1 nm).
○ Cannot be separated by filtration.
○ Does not scatter light (no Tyndall effect).
2. Suspensions
A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles do not dissolve but are
suspended temporarily.
● Examples:
○ Sand in water
○ Flour in water
○ Medicines (antacids, antibiotics)
● Characteristics of Suspensions:
○ Cloudy appearance.
○ Particles are large (>1000 nm).
○ Particles settle over time (sedimentation).
○ Can be separated by filtration.
○ Does not allow light to pass through clearly.
Tip: Always shake before use (e.g., medicine bottles).
3. Emulsions
An emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible (non-mixable) liquids, with one liquid dispersed in
the other.
● Examples:
○ Milk (fat droplets in water)
○ Mayonnaise (oil + vinegar with egg yolk)
○ Soap water
● Characteristics of Emulsions:
○ Cloudy or creamy texture.
○ Requires emulsifiers to stabilize.
○ Droplets do not settle easily.
Fun Fact: Soap helps oil and water mix by acting as an emulsifier!
4. Colloidal Solutions (Colloids)
A colloid is a mixture where particles are larger than in a solution but smaller than in a
suspension, and they remain dispersed without settling.
● Examples:
○ Milk
○ Blood
○ Fog
○ Gel (e.g., hair gel)
● Characteristics of Colloids:
○ Cloudy but stable.
○ Particle size: 1-1000 nm.
○ Cannot be separated by filtration.
○ Shows the Tyndall Effect (scatters light).
5. The Tyndall Effect
The Tyndall Effect is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid, making the light beam
visible.
● Examples of Tyndall Effect:
○ Car headlights in fog.
○ Sunlight passing through a dusty room.
○ Flashlight in milk vs. water.
● How to Identify Colloids:
○ If light scatters = colloid.
○ If light passes through clearly = solution.
6. Differences Between Solution, Colloid, and Suspension
Property Solution Colloid Suspension
Appearance Clear Cloudy but stable Cloudy and settles
Particle Size < 1 nm 1 – 1000 nm > 1000 nm
Stability Very stable Stable Unstable
Separation Cannot be separated Cannot be separated Can be separated
Tyndall Effect No Yes No
Example Saltwater Milk, gel Sand in water
Key Takeaways:
1. A solution is homogeneous and does not scatter light.
2. A suspension has large particles that settle over time.
3. An emulsion is a special type of mixture with immiscible liquids.
4. A colloid has medium-sized particles that scatter light (Tyndall Effect).
5. The Tyndall Effect helps distinguish colloids from solutions
