Multiple Choice
Which type of mixture is classified as a solution?
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6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Solutions
Multiple Choice
In the context of solutions and mixtures, which statement best describes the difference between a colloid and a true solution?
A
A colloid contains dispersed particles large enough to scatter light (Tyndall effect), whereas a true solution has solute particles at the molecular/ionic scale that do not scatter light appreciably.
B
In a true solution the solute particles are larger than in a colloid, which is why solutions appear cloudy.
C
A true solution can be separated by filtration, whereas a colloid cannot be separated by filtration.
D
A colloid is always a pure substance, whereas a true solution is always a heterogeneous mixture.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definitions: A true solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute particles are at the molecular or ionic scale, meaning they are very small and evenly distributed throughout the solvent.
Recognize that a colloid is a mixture where the dispersed particles are larger than in a true solution but still small enough to remain suspended without settling out quickly.
Recall the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by particles in a colloid; this effect is not observed in true solutions because their particles are too small to scatter light appreciably.
Note that true solutions are clear and do not scatter light, while colloids often appear cloudy or opaque due to light scattering by the larger particles.
Understand that filtration can separate mixtures with larger particles (like suspensions), but neither true solutions nor colloids can be separated by ordinary filtration because their particles are too small; however, this is not the defining difference between them.
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