 Of the three systems, true solutions have the smallest dispersed particles. These particles are usually less than 1 nanometer in size. |
 The
dispersed particles in colloidal systems range from 1 nanometer to 0.2
micrometer. |
|
In suspensions, dispersed particles are generally larger than 0.2 micrometer. Unfortunately, there are exceptions
|
Click on another characteristic of dispersion in the left-hand column to learn about it. When you've selected all the characteristics, click on Continue.
to size for some
colloids and suspensions. For example, when cornstarch is added to water, it
settles out to form a suspension. Yet if the water is heated, the cornstarch
granules fill with water, swell, and form a colloid. For this reason, food
scientists also consider the ability of particles to "settle out"
and colligative properties when distinguishing between the two systems.
