Solution

Solution is homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. It is composed two components which are solute and solvent. Solute is present in less quantity whereas, solvent is present is large quantity in solution. For example, sugar solution[liquid solution], mixture of metals i.e. alloys [solid solution], mixture of air [i.e. gaseous solution]
Amount of solute present in solution determines concentration of solution.
Formula to calculate concentration of solution-

Mass by mass percentage of solution = (mass of solute / mass of solution) × 100

Mass by volume percentage of solution = (mass of solute / volume of solution) × 100

Each solution has its own dissolving capacity of solute. If solute is dissolved upto dissolving capacity of solution then it said to be saturated solution. However,if solute present in solution is less than the dissolving capacity of solution then it is called unsaturated solution.
Properties of solution: Solute particles in solution are extremely small invisible to naked eye. Path of light is not visible through it. Also,solute particles in solution cannot be separated by process of filtration and if left undisturbed they do not settle down.

Suspension

Suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where solute particles do not dissolve in solution and remains suspended in bulk medium. Moreover, solute particles in suspension are larger as compared to solution. Hence, path of light is easily visible through suspension. Solute particles can be easily separated by process of filtration. Also, if suspension is kept undisturbed, solute particles settles down.

Colloidal solution

Colloidal solution appears to be homogeneous but in reality it is heterogeneous solution. Components of colloidal solution are dispersion medium and dispersed phase. Dispersed phase have solute particles or dispersed particles. Dispersed phase is suspended in dispersion medium.
Solute particles in colloidal solution is larger than solution but smaller than suspension. Solute particles cannot be separated by the process of filtration but can be separated by process of centrifugation. Also, Solute particles do not settle down if kept undisturbed.

Solution, Suspension and Colloids

Keywords: Solution, Suspension, Colloidal solution, Tyndall effect, Centrifugation

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