Question

Differentiate between the following: (i) True solution and suspension
(ii) Lyophilic and Lyophobic colloid
(iii) Multimolecular and Macromolecular colloid

Hint:

Remember: Stability order → True solution>Lyophilic colloid>Lyophobic colloid>Suspension.

Answer 1

(i) True solution vs Suspension.
- True solution: Homogeneous, particle size<1 nm, particles invisible, stable (e.g., sugar solution).
- Suspension: Heterogeneous, particle size>1000 nm, visible particles, unstable (e.g., chalk in water).
(ii) Lyophilic vs Lyophobic colloids.
- Lyophilic: Solvent-loving, stable, easily formed, reversible (e.g., starch sol, gelatin).
- Lyophobic: Solvent-hating, unstable, requires special methods, irreversible (e.g., gold sol).
(iii) Multimolecular vs Macromolecular colloids.
- Multimolecular: Colloidal particles are aggregates of small molecules (e.g., gold sol).
- Macromolecular: Large molecules act as colloids (e.g., starch, proteins).