Examples of Colloids
Examples of Colloids discuss different types of colloidal dispersions and their examples. The article is complemented with images to make you understand better.
Colloids are important chemicals which are used extensively used to produce commercial products. Many familiar products of daily use are examples of colloids.
Rewind : Definition of Colloids
Before we start to explore various examples of colloids, let us do a quick recap of basic Definition of Colloids. A colloid is a heterogeneous system in which one substance is dispersed (called dispersed phase) as very fine particles in another substance called dispersion medium. The size of the dispersed molecule is larger than a simple molecule (having diameter between 1 to 1000 nm) but small enough to remain suspended. So colloid is an intermediate state between suspensions and solutions.
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Moving On
Based on physical state of dispersion medium and dispersed phase, different types and examples of colloids are arranged below. For each state of dispersion medium all possible states of dispersed phase are discussed. Wondering why we use term “all possible states”? Read further to get the answer.
Case 1: Dispersion Medium is Solid
When dispersion medium is solid, the dispersed phase can be solid, liquid or gas. Based on the state of dispersed phase, colloids are called Solid Sols or Gels.
Different types of colloids and examples of each type are given below.
| Dispersed Medium | Dispersed Phase | Types Of Colloids | Examples of Colloids |
| Solid | Solid | Solid Sol | Gemstones, Pearls, Some Coloured Glass |
| Solid | Liquid | Gels | Cheese ,Butter, Jellies, Jam, Shoe Polish |
| Solid | Gas | Solid Sol | Pumice Stone, Foam Rubber |
Case 2: Dispersion Medium is Liquid
When dispersion medium is liquid, the dispersed phase can be solid, liquid or gas. Based on the state of dispersed phase, colloids are called Sols,Emulsions or Foam.
Different types of colloids and examples of each type are given below.
| Dispersed Medium | Dispersed Phase | Types Of Colloids | Examples of Colloids |
| Liquid | Solid | Sols | Paints, Gum, Muddy Water |
| Liquid | Liquid | Emulsion | Milk, Hair Cream, Cod-Liver Oil |
| Liquid | Gas | Foam | Froth, Soap Lather , Whipped Cream |
Case 3: Dispersion Medium is Gas
When dispersion medium is gas, the dispersed phase can be solid or liquid but not the gas.
It is important to note that colloid is a hetrogeneous mixture. When gas is mixed with another gas, it forms a completely miscible homogeneous mixture and not a colloidal solution. Though 3 states (solid , liquid or gas) each for dispersed medium and dispersed phase can form 9(=3+3+3) different combinations, we only have 8 colloidal states. This is where Mathematics and Chemistry Do Not Mix!!
Colloids of gas with dispersed phase as solids or liquids are called Aerosols. Different types of colloids and examples of each type are given below.
| Dispersed Medium | Dispersed Phase | Types Of Colloids | Examples of Colloids |
| Gas | Solid | Aerosol | Smoke, Dust |
| Gas | Liquid | Aerosol | Insecticide Spray, Fog, Clouds |
