What are the differences between solution and suspension?

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Accepted Answer

Solution and suspension are two types of mixtures. The individual components in both types of mixtures are not chemically bonded to each other and can be separated based on their size, solubility, and density. Aside from this similarity, there are several differences between solution and suspension.

Basis of differentiation 
Solution 
Suspension

Definition

Is a homogeneous mixture comprised of very small particles

Is a heterogeneous mixture comprised of bigger particle sizes

Composition

Homogeneous – solute particles are dissolved in a solvent. The composition remains the same throughout the mixture

Heterogeneous - particles can be visibly distinguished. The composition does not remain the same throughout

Particle size

Particles are very small either of atomic or molecular level, average size is

Particles are comparatively larger, average size > 1000nm

Visibility of particles

Particles cannot be seen with the naked eye or even under a light microscope

Particles can be seen by the naked eye as well as under a light microscope.

Dispersion

Particles are evenly dispersed

Particles are not evenly dispersed

Properties

Solutes and solvent are in the same phase

Suspended particles can be in a different phase from that of the medium

Appearance

Transparent - no scattering of light

Cloudy - light is scattered and reflected

Examples

Salt (NaCl) in water or sugar in water

Milk of magnesia – a  suspension of magnesium hydroxide

Basis of differentiation	Solution	Suspension
Definition	Is a homogeneous mixture comprised of very small particles	Is a heterogeneous mixture comprised of bigger particle sizes
Composition	Homogeneous – solute particles are dissolved in a solvent. The composition remains the same throughout the mixture	Heterogeneous - particles can be visibly distinguished.The composition does not remain the same throughout
Particle size	Particles are very small either of atomic or molecular level, average size is <1 nm	Particles are comparatively larger, average size > 1000nm
Visibility of particles	Particles cannot be seen with the naked eye or even under a light microscope	Particles can be seen by the naked eye as well as under a light microscope.
Dispersion	Particles are evenly dispersed	Particles are not evenly dispersed
Properties	Solutes and solvent are in the same phase	Suspended particles can be in a different phase from that of the medium
Appearance	Transparent - no scattering of light	Cloudy - light is scattered and reflected
Examples	Salt (NaCl) in water or sugar in water	Milk of magnesia – a suspension of magnesium hydroxide

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