Question

In liquid XYZ, you notice that light is scattered as it passes through. There is no precipitant in the bottom of the beaker, though it has been sitting for several days. What type of liquid is this?

1) solution
2) suspension
3) colloid
4) mixture

Answer 1

Liquid XYZ, which scatters light and has particles that do not settle, can be classified as a 3. colloid—a mixture with properties between a solution and a suspension.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you notice that light is scattered as it passes through liquid XYZ and there is no precipitant at the bottom of the beaker, this indicates the presence of a 3. colloid. A colloidal mixture consists of particles that are larger than those in a solution but smaller than those in a suspension.

The key characteristic of colloids showcased by liquid XYZ is the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by colloidal particles such that the mixture remains homogeneous and particles do not settle out over time. Given this information, we can identify liquid XYZ as a colloid.