Question:

Which from following is an example of multimolecular colloid?

Updated On: Apr 14, 2025
  • Cellulose
  • Plastic
  • S8 molecule
  • Starch
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: What Is a Multimolecular Colloid?

First, let’s understand what a colloid is. A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles are spread out in a medium but don’t settle down—like milk or fog. There are different types of colloids, and one type is called a multimolecular colloid. This happens when many small molecules come together to form particles that are big enough to be colloidal (usually between 1 nm and 1000 nm in size). These particles are made up of aggregates of molecules. Cool, right? Now, let’s see which option fits this!

Step 2: Check Each Option

Let’s look at each substance and decide if it can form a multimolecular colloid:

  • Option 1: Cellulose

    Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, made up of long chains of glucose molecules. While it’s a big molecule, it doesn’t typically form colloidal particles by aggregating small molecules in the way multimolecular colloids do. It’s more of a macromolecule on its own.

  • Option 2: Plastic

    Plastics are synthetic polymers, like polyethylene, made of long chains of repeating units. They are usually solid materials and don’t form colloidal dispersions by aggregating small molecules into colloidal-sized particles. So, plastic isn’t a multimolecular colloid.

  • Option 3: S8 molecule

    S8 refers to a molecule of sulfur, where eight sulfur atoms form a ring. This is a single molecule, not an aggregate of many small molecules forming a larger colloidal particle. Multimolecular colloids need many molecules to come together, so S8 doesn’t fit.

  • Option 4: Starch

    Starch is a carbohydrate stored in plants, made of many glucose molecules. In water, starch can break down into smaller units and form colloidal particles when these units aggregate into clusters that are the right size (1 nm to 1000 nm). This makes starch a classic example of a multimolecular colloid, especially in things like starch suspensions!

Step 3: Pick the Right One

From our list, Cellulose and Plastic are large molecules but don’t form colloids through aggregation of small molecules. The S8 molecule is a single entity, not a colloid. Starch, however, fits perfectly because its glucose units can aggregate into colloidal-sized particles in a suitable medium like water. So, Starch is our winner!

Step 4: Match with Options

The options provided are:

  • Option 1: Cellulose
  • Option 2: Plastic
  • Option 3: S8 molecule
  • Option 4: Starch ✔ Correct

Since Starch is the substance that forms a multimolecular colloid, the correct answer is Option 4.

Final Answer: Option 4 (Starch) is correct.

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Concepts Used:

Classification of Colloids

Based on the Nature of Interaction Between Dispersed Phase and Dispersion Medium:

  • Hydrophilic colloids: These are water-loving colloids. The colloid particles are attracted to the water. They are also known as reversible sols. Examples include Agar, gelatin, pectin, etc
  • Hydrophobic colloids: These are the opposite in nature to hydrophilic colloids. The colloid particles are repelled by water. They are also called irreversible sols. Examples include Gold sols, clay particles, etc

Based on Type of Particles of Dispersed Phase:

  • Multimolecular Colloids: A large number of smaller molecules of a substance add on together on mixing and form species that are in the colloidal range. 
  • Macromolecular Colloids: In this colloid, the macromolecule forms a solution with a solvent. The size of particles remains in the range of colloidal particle size. Here, the colloidal particles are macromolecules having a very large molecular mass. 
  • Associated Colloids: Few substances react as strong electrolytes when they are in low concentration, but act as colloidal sols when they are in high concentration. In high concentration, particles aggregate and show colloidal behaviour and these particles are known as the micelles. They are also known as associated colloids. The formation of micelles occurs above a certain temperature and specific concentration. These colloids can be reverted by diluting it.