Question

Sedimentation volume is measured by

• A. Ultimate volume of sediment / initial volume of total suspension
• B. Flocculation of sedimentation
• C. Initial volume of total suspension / ultimate volume of sediment
• D. Volume of flocculated suspension

Hint:

Sedimentation volume helps in assessing the physical stability of suspensions and their redispersibility.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Sedimentation volume (F) is an important parameter in evaluating the stability of suspensions. It is defined as the ratio of the ultimate volume of sediment (Vu) to the original volume of the total suspension (V0). Mathematically, \[ F = \frac{V_u}{V_0} \] Where: - \(V_u\) = Ultimate volume of sediment after complete settling
- \(V_0\) = Initial volume of the total suspension before sedimentation
This ratio gives an indication of the extent of sedimentation and the nature of sediment formed. A higher sedimentation volume (close to 1) indicates a well-dispersed suspension with loosely packed sediment, while a lower value indicates dense sediment with poor redispersibility. Other terms in the options: - Flocculation of sedimentation refers to the aggregation of particles forming loose sediment but is not a measurement. - Volume of flocculated suspension refers to volume after flocculation, not the sedimentation volume itself.
Sedimentation volume is a crucial parameter for formulating stable suspensions in pharmaceutical dosage forms.