True Solutions, Suspensions and Colloids

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A true solution is a homogeneous solution in which the solute particles have diameters less than 10^-7cm. i.e., the solute particles are of molecular dimensions. The particles are invisible even under powerful microscopes.

For example, sodium chloride in water is a true solution. Most ionic compounds form true solutions in water. Organic compounds like sugar and urea also form true solutions in water.

Suspensions

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which one or more components have a particle size greater than 10^-5cm. Very often these particles are visible to the naked eye.

For example, sand in water, sodium chloride in benzene, turmeric in water etc.

Colloids

A colloid is a solution in which the particle size ranges between 10^-7 and 10^-5 cm.

For example, milk, blood, honey, smoke, ink, gum, starch solution etc.

Difference between true solutions, suspensions and colloids

Property	True solutions	Colloidal solutions	Suspensions
Particle size	Less than 10 - 7 cm	Between 10 - 5 and 10 - 7 cm	Greater than           10 - 5 cm
Visibility of particles	Invisible to naked eye not visible under powerful microscope	Invisible to naked eye. Visible under powerful microscope	Easily visible
Sedimentation of particles	Do not settle down	Settle down under high centrifugation	Settle down due to gravity
Filtration through filter paper	No residue is formed	No residue is formed	Residue is formed

 

Comparative sizes of particles in solutions

Three types of solution