What is the Difference Between True Solution and Colloidal Solution?

The main difference between a true solution and a colloidal solution lies in the particle size and the homogeneity of the mixture. Here are the key differences between the two:

• True Solution:

1. Particle size is less than 1 nm (10-9 m).
2. Homogeneous mixture, with particles invisible to the naked eye.
3. Particles do not scatter light, making the solution clear and transparent.
4. Solute particles do not settle down when left undisturbed, meaning the solution is stable.
5. Particles can be recovered by evaporation and crystallization.

• Colloidal Solution:

1. Particle size ranges from 1 nm to 1000 nm (1.0 µm).
2. Heterogeneous mixture, with particles visible under a microscope.
3. Particles scatter light, making the solution translucent.
4. Particles may settle down when left undisturbed, but can also get deposited at the bottom.
5. Particles cannot be recovered by evaporation and crystallization.

In summary, true solutions have smaller particle sizes and are homogeneous mixtures, while colloidal solutions have larger particle sizes and are heterogeneous mixtures.

Comparative Table: True Solution vs Colloidal Solution

Here is a table comparing the differences between true solutions and colloidal solutions:

In summary, true solutions have smaller particle sizes, are invisible to the naked eye, do not settle, and can pass through filters. On the other hand, colloidal solutions have larger particle sizes, are visible under powerful optical microscopes, might settle sometimes, and only partially pass through filters.