Final answer:
Colloidal stability is the ability of colloid particles to remain dispersed in a medium. It can be affected by temperature and chemical composition, and involves substances like gelatin and starch. Breakdown processes include crenation and coagulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colloidal stability refers to the capacity of colloid particles to remain uniformly dispersed throughout a medium without settling or aggregating. The stability of colloids can be impacted by factors such as temperature or changes in chemical composition of the dispersing medium. These colloids can be composed of substances like gelatin, starch, or proteins, which can form aggregates of molecules or consist of single massive molecules. The stability of a colloid is influenced by the nature of the colloidal particles - whether they are hydrophilic (water-loving) or hydrophobic (water-fearing).
In terms of their breakdown, colloids can become unstable through processes such as crenation, which involves the shriveling of biological cells due to the loss of water by osmosis. Another breakdown process could be coagulation or flocculation, where particles aggregate and potentially precipitate from the dispersion. To prevent these breakdown processes and ensure colloidal stability, various methods such as adding emulsifiers and stabilizers can be employed.