Types of Mixtures: Solutions, Colloids, and Suspensions

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the definitions and properties of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, including specific details on solutions, colloids, and suspensions as presented in the lecture notes.

Mixture

A combination of two or more pure substances (elements or compounds) that can be separated by physical methods.

Heterogeneous Mixture

A mixture that varies in its composition where you can identify different colors or textures, making it easy to identify some of the components in it.

Homogeneous Mixture

A mixture that has the same composition throughout, where you cannot distinguish each of the compounds present.

Solute

The substance in a mixture present in a smaller proportion; the substance dissolved in a solution.

Solvent

The substance in a mixture present in a higher amount; the medium able to dissolve other substances.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances uniformly dispersed in a single phase, with tiny particles too small to see, settle, or be filtered out.

Colloid

A mixture with medium-sized particles large enough to see but not large enough to settle or be filtered out, which causes light to be dispersed through it.

Suspension

A mixture containing large particles that are large enough to see and also to settle or be filtered out, which causes light to be blocked.

Dental amalgam

An example of a solid solution where the solvent is silver (solid) and the solute is mercury (liquid).

Steel

An example of a solid solution where the solvent is iron (solid) and the solute is carbon (solid).

Solid sol

A type of colloid featuring solid dispersed particles in a solid dispersing medium, such as colored gems.

Sol

A type of colloid featuring solid dispersed particles in a liquid dispersing medium, such as blood or gelatine.

Solid emulsion

A type of colloid featuring liquid dispersed particles in a solid dispersing medium, such as butter or cheese.

Emulsion

A type of colloid featuring liquid dispersed particles in a liquid dispersing medium, such as milk or mayonnaise.

Solid foam

A type of colloid featuring gas dispersed particles in a solid dispersing medium, such as marshmallows or soaps that float.

Foam

A type of colloid featuring gas dispersed particles in a liquid dispersing medium, such as whipped cream.

Solid aerosol

A type of colloid featuring solid dispersed particles in a gas dispersing medium, such as smoke or dust in the air.

Liquid aerosol

A type of colloid featuring liquid dispersed particles in a gas dispersing medium, such as spray deodorant, fog, or clouds.