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What are the types of colloids?
Posted March 17, 2023

Colloids can also be classified into these categories: multimolecular colloids, macromolecular colloids, and associated colloids.


Answer

A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture that’s made up of suspended solute particles in a gas, liquid or solid dispersion medium. These are the 8 types of colloids based on the phase of the dispersed substance and the phase it is dispersed in. 

  1. Sol – Acolloidal suspension that consists of solid particles in a liquid medium. Examples: Paint, ink, blood
  2. Solid Sol –A colloid made up of solid particles mixed with a solid medium. Examples: Glass, gemstones, colored glass
  3. Gel –A semi-solid, jelly-like colloid made up of liquid particles in a solid medium. Examples: Gelatin, toothpaste, jam
  4. Emulsion – A colloidal in which liquid particles combine with a liquid medium. Examples: Milk, mayonnaise brewed coffee, salad dressing, 
  5. Foam – A colloidal mixture formed when gas particles are trapped in a liquid medium. Examples: Whipped cream, bubble bath, soda pop, fire retardant
  6. Solid Foam – A colloidal mixture formed when gas particles combine with a solid medium. Examples: Memory foam, insulation foam, yoga mats
  7. Aerosol – A colloidal mixture made up ofliquid droplets dispersed in gas. Examples: Perfume, hair spray, mist, clouds, fog
  8. Solid Aerosol –A colloidal mixture made up of small particles of solid dispersed in gas. Examples: Smog, smoke, volcanic ash