Which description correctly matches Solutions, Suspensions, and Colloids, with an example?

Which description correctly matches Solutions, Suspensions, and Colloids, with an example?

• A. Solutions are uniform mixtures; suspensions are heterogeneous and settle; colloids are intermediate; e.g., milk
• B. Solutions are uniform mixtures; suspensions settle but do not dissolve; colloids are uniform
• C. Solutions are heterogeneous; suspensions settle and dissolve; colloids are uniform
• D. Solutions are uniform; suspensions are uniform; colloids are heterogeneous; flour in water

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how particle size and behavior distinguish solutions, suspensions, and colloids. In a solution, the solute is dissolved in the solvent to form a uniform mixture where particles are too small to scatter light. In a suspension, the larger particles are dispersed but not dissolved, so the mixture is heterogeneous and the particles settle out over time. Colloids sit in between: the particles are intermediate in size, so the mixture looks uniform in appearance but contains particles that can scatter light and don’t settle quickly. Milk is a classic example of a colloid (an emulsion) where fat droplets are dispersed in water. This is why the description that fits best is: solutions are uniform; suspensions are heterogeneous and settle; colloids are intermediate; e.g., milk. The other options misstate these points, such as claiming colloids are uniform, which isn’t accurate.

The key idea is how particle size and behavior distinguish solutions, suspensions, and colloids. In a solution, the solute is dissolved in the solvent to form a uniform mixture where particles are too small to scatter light. In a suspension, the larger particles are dispersed but not dissolved, so the mixture is heterogeneous and the particles settle out over time. Colloids sit in between: the particles are intermediate in size, so the mixture looks uniform in appearance but contains particles that can scatter light and don’t settle quickly. Milk is a classic example of a colloid (an emulsion) where fat droplets are dispersed in water.

This is why the description that fits best is: solutions are uniform; suspensions are heterogeneous and settle; colloids are intermediate; e.g., milk. The other options misstate these points, such as claiming colloids are uniform, which isn’t accurate.