Types of Mixtures
Solutions
• Solutions are homogeneous mixtures made up of
two components.
• The part of the solution that does the dissolving
is called the solvent.
• The part of the solution that gets dissolved is
called the solute.
• In a sugar water solution, what is the solute?
• Sugar
• In a sugar water solution, what is the solvent?
• Water
Solutions (continued)
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The solute particles are < 1 nm in diameter.
How large are these particles in cm?
0.0000001 cm
As a result, solutions often appear clear.
Due to the extremely small particle size solutions
remain mixed and do not separate (settle out) upon
standing.
• Solutions cannot be separated by filtration (particles
are so small they pass through the paper with the
solvent.
• Examples include: kool-aid, flat soft drink
Solutions
Colloids
• Colloids are heterogeneous mixtures.
• The particles mixed into the main component are
between 1 and 100 nm in diameter.
• Due to the slightly larger particle size, colloids
appear cloudy.
• Although the particles are larger than in a
solution, they are still small enough that they stay
mixed and do not separate upon standing and
cannot be separated by filtration.
• Examples: milk, whipped cream
Colloids
Tyndall Effect
• Particles in a colloid are large enough that
they will reflect (scatter) light.
• This phenomenon is referred to as the Tyndall
Effect.
Tyndall Effect
Suspensions
• Suspensions are also heterogeneous mixtures.
• The particles in a suspension are the largest
and have a diameter > 100 nm.
• Due to the larger size these particles will
separate (settle out) upon standing.
• If all of the particles have separated, the liquid
may appear clear. If not, the liquid may
appear cloudy.
Suspensions
• The larger particle size allows for suspensions
to be separated by filtration.
• The Tyndall effect may be observed if the
particles have not settled out.
• Examples: muddy water, Italian salad dressing.
Suspension
Solution, Colloid,
or Suspension
•Recently opened
soft drink
•Fog
•Food coloring in
water
•Blood
•Milk
•Pure air
•Sugar water
•Paint