Question

Why do the words "Shake well before using" indicate that the fruit juice in a carton is a suspension? Why are these words not used on milk?

a) Fruit juice contains particles that settle over time
b) Milk is always a homogeneous mixture
c) Fruit juice needs to be mixed before consumption
d) Milk naturally separates when left undisturbed

Answer 1

The words 'Shake well before using' on fruit juice cartons indicate that the fruit juice is a suspension and needs to be mixed before consumption. These words are not used on milk because milk is a colloid, which does not settle out and naturally remains mixed without shaking.

Step-by-step explanation:

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which some of the particles settle out of the mixture upon standing. Fruit juice is a suspension because it contains particles that settle over time. The words 'Shake well before using' indicate that the fruit juice needs to be mixed before consumption to re-suspend the settled particles. On the other hand, milk is a colloid, not a suspension. Colloids are mixtures in which the particles are larger than those in solutions but do not settle out. Milk naturally remains mixed and does not require shaking before use.