Sol, solution, and suspension are all types of mixtures, but they differ in the size of their particles, stability, and how they interact with light. A sol is a colloidal solution with small particles dispersed in a liquid, exhibits the Tyndall effect, and is relatively stable. A solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute is completely dissolved in the solvent, doesn’t exhibit the Tyndall effect, and is very stable. A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture with larger particles that settle over time, may or may not exhibit the Tyndall effect, and is unstable.
Here’s a more detailed comparison:
Sol (Colloidal Solution):
Nature: Heterogeneous mixture.
Particle Size: Small, but large enough to scatter light (1 nm to 100 nm).
Stability: Quite stable, particles do not settle readily.
Tyndall Effect: Exhibits the Tyndall effect, meaning light is scattered by the particles.
Examples: Milk, fog, blood.
Solution:
Nature: Homogeneous mixture.
Particle Size: Very small, at the molecular level (less than 1 nm).
Stability: Highly stable, particles do not settle and remain dispersed.
Tyndall Effect: Does not exhibit the Tyndall effect, as the particles are too small to scatter light.
Examples: Salt water, sugar water, air.
Suspension:
Nature: Heterogeneous mixture.
Particle Size: Larger, visible to the naked eye (greater than 100 nm).
Stability: Unstable, particles settle out over time.
Tyndall Effect: May or may not exhibit the Tyndall effect depending on the particle size and concentration.
Examples: Sand in water, muddy water, some medications.