Final answer:
In a sample tube with hemolyzed blood, the bottom appears opaque due to hemoglobin dispersion after the red blood cells burst, which causes increased light absorption. From the sides, the solution appears clear because light passes through the dispersed solution more readily.
Step-by-step explanation:
When observing a tube with hemolyzed blood, you would find it difficult to see through the bottom due to the hemoglobin dispersion. Hemolysis is the process where red blood cells burst, releasing hemoglobin into the solution. In the case of hemolyzed blood, the hemoglobin, which is now free in the solution, uniformly disperses light, leading to increased light absorption. This makes the solution look opaque when viewed from the bottom. However, looking from the sides of the tube, the sample appears clear as the light passes through less of the dispersed solution, illustrating the difference between a homogenous mixture and a suspension where aggregation or settling occurs. This characteristic can be seen in diagnostic tests, like hemagglutination tests and complement fixation tests, which involve the visibility of red blood cell states in a solution.