Solutions and suspensions both have solids dissolved in liquid, why is it that suspensions still have solid particles in them once this occurs?
The liquid phase is saturated with solute – the dissolved concentration of the dispersed phase is equal to its solubility in the liquid
Solutions and suspensions are both mixtures that contain a dissolved solid in a liquid. However, the key difference between the two is the size of the solid particles.
In a solution, the solid particles are very small and evenly dispersed throughout the liquid, creating a homogeneous mixture. In contrast, in a suspension, the solid particles are larger and can be seen with the naked eye.
This difference in size means that in a solution, the solid particles are small enough to fully dissolve and become part of the liquid. They will not settle and can pass through a filter. However, in a suspension, the particles are too large to dissolve fully and will eventually settle to the bottom, especially if left undisturbed. This is why suspensions have solid particles even after the solid has been dissolved in the liquid.
Additionally, suspensions can be unstable over time and the solid particles can clump together due to gravity or electrostatic attraction. This can cause the suspension to appear cloudy or thick, further distinguishing it from a solution.
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