Which term describes a mixture where the dispersed particles do not settle out over time?

Which term describes a mixture where the dispersed particles do not settle out over time?

• A. Colloid
• B. Suspension
• C. Solvent
• D. Solute

Answer: (A)

Colloids describe mixtures where tiny particles are spread throughout another substance but don’t fall out or separate quickly. These particles are just large enough to scatter light and remain suspended because of constant random motion (Brownian motion) and often protective charges or coatings that keep them from clumping and settling. That’s why a colloid like milk or fog stays mixed and appears cloudy, even though you can’t see the individual particles with the naked eye. In contrast, suspensions have larger particles that eventually settle to the bottom if left undisturbed, and solutions dissolve the particles completely so there aren’t dispersed particles at all. So the term that fits a mixture where the dispersed particles do not settle out over time is colloid.

Colloids describe mixtures where tiny particles are spread throughout another substance but don’t fall out or separate quickly. These particles are just large enough to scatter light and remain suspended because of constant random motion (Brownian motion) and often protective charges or coatings that keep them from clumping and settling. That’s why a colloid like milk or fog stays mixed and appears cloudy, even though you can’t see the individual particles with the naked eye. In contrast, suspensions have larger particles that eventually settle to the bottom if left undisturbed, and solutions dissolve the particles completely so there aren’t dispersed particles at all. So the term that fits a mixture where the dispersed particles do not settle out over time is colloid.