Solutions

 A Solution is a homogenous mixture of 2 or more substances.  A solution has a solvent and a solute as its components.  The Component of the solution that dissolves the other component in it is called the solvent. The Component of the Solution that is dissolved in the solvent is called the solute.
eg : Sugar Solution, Copper Sulphate Solution

                                  Fig : Copper Sulphate Solution

Properties of a solution

• A Solution is a homogeneous mixture.
• The Particle of a solution are smaller than one nanometre in diameter.  So they cannot be seen by naked eyes.
• Because of very small particle size, the do not scatter a beam of light passing through the solution.  So the path of light is not visible in a solution.
• The Solute particles cannot be seperated from the mixture by the process of filtration.

Concentration of a Solution

Depending upon the amount of Solute present in a solution it can be called a dilute, concentrated or a saturated solution

When no more solute can be dissolved in a solution at a given temperature, it is called a Saturated Solution. The amount of solute present in the saturated solution at this temperature is called its Solubility.  If the amount of solute contained in a solution is less than the saturation level, it is called an unsaturated solution.

Suspension

                                 Fig : suspension - settled muddy water

A Suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which the solute particles do not dissolved but remain suspended through out the bulk of the medium.  Particles of a suspension are visible to the naked eye.

Properties

• Suspension is a heterogenous mixture.
• The Particles of a suspension can be seen by the naked eye.
• Particles of a suspension scatter a  beam of light passing through it and make its path visible.
• The Solute particles settled down when a suspension is left undisturbed.  They can be seperated from the mixture by the process of filtration.

Colloidal Solution

                                                            Fig : 3

• A Colloid is a heterogeneous mixture.
• The Size of Particles of a Colloid is too small to be individually seen by naked eyes.
• Colloids are big enough to scatter a beam of light passing through it and make its path visible.
• They do not settled down when left undisturbed i.e., it is quite stable.
• They cannot be seperated from the mixture by the process of filtration.  But a special technique of separation known as Centrifugation can be used to separate the colloidal solution
• In colloidal solution the particles can be scattered by beam of light.  This is called Tyndal Effect.

 The Components of a Colloidal Solution are the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.  The solute like component or the dispersed particles in a colloid form the dispersed phase and component in which the dispersed phase is suspended is known as the dispersion media.