I. Dispersed Systems & Solution Basics

System

A bounded space of an exact quantity of a material.

Dispersion

Consists of at least two phases with one or more dispersed phases (internal) contained in a single continuous (external) phase.

Phase

A distinct homogeneous part of a system.

Molecular Dispersion

A true solution (one-phase) where the diameter of particles is less than 1 nanometer.

Colloidal Dispersion

A dispersion where the diameter of particles is between 1 and 500 nanometers, such as gelatin or milk.

Coarse Dispersion

A dispersion where the diameter of particles is greater than 500 nanometers, such as emulsions and suspensions.

True Solution

A mixture of two or more components that form a homogeneous molecular dispersion or one-phase system.

Binary Solution

A solution composed of only two substances.

Solute

The component of a solution present in a lesser amount.

Solvent

The component of a solution present in a greater amount.

Gas in Gas Example

Air.

Liquid in Gas Example

Water in oxygen.

Solid in Gas Example

Iodine vapor in air.

Gas in Liquid Example

Carbonated water.

Liquid in Liquid Example

Alcohol in water.

Solid in Liquid Example

Aqueous sodium chloride solution.

Gas in Solid Example

Hydrogen in palladium.

Liquid in Solid Example

Mineral oil in paraffin.

Solid in Solid Example

Gold-silver mixture or a mixture of alums.