Suspension (chemistry)

Suspension (chemistry) is a heterogeneous mixture that contains solid particles sufficiently large for sedimentation. The particles may be visible to the naked eye, usually must be larger than one micrometer, and will eventually settle, although the mixture is only classified as a suspension when and while the particles have not settled out.

Suspensions are classified on the basis of the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, where the former is essentially the solute-like component and the latter functions as the solvent-like component. The dispersed phase is essentially solid while the dispersion medium is a liquid, making a suspension different from a colloid or a solution.

Characteristics of Suspensions

Suspensions exhibit certain distinct characteristics:

• Heterogeneous nature: Suspensions are heterogeneous in nature, meaning the properties and composition are not uniform throughout the mixture.
• Particle size: The particles in a suspension are larger than those found in solutions or colloids. They are typically greater than 1 micrometer.
• Visibility: The particles in a suspension can usually be seen with the naked eye.
• Sedimentation: The particles in a suspension will settle over time, due to the effects of gravity.

Examples of Suspensions

Common examples of suspensions include sand in water, dust in air, and droplets of oil in air. Particles in a suspension are typically larger than those in a true solution or a colloid.

Applications of Suspensions

Suspensions have a wide range of applications in various fields such as pharmacy, where they are used to deliver insoluble drugs to the body. In the food industry, suspensions are used in products like salad dressings and ice cream.

See Also

• Colloid
• Solution (chemistry)
• Sedimentation (chemistry)