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?

A) solution
B) suspension
C) colloid
D) mixture

Answer 1

A liquid that scatters light without forming a precipitant at the bottom is a colloid, due to its particle size and the Tyndall effect.The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The liquid in discussion that scatters light as it passes through, without any precipitant forming at the bottom, is known as a colloid. This classification is based on the fact that colloids have particles larger than those in a solution but not large enough to settle out as in a suspension. The scattering of light, referred to as the Tyndall effect, is a characteristic property of colloids. Furthermore, colloids remain evenly dispersed over time, unlike suspensions, where the particles would settle. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option C) colloid.