What does colloid mean?
A colloid is a system where very small particles are dispersed in another medium without rapidly settling out.
Molecular process and core principles
Particles are larger than dissolved molecules but smaller than those in a coarse suspension. Surface charge and molecular layers can slow aggregation.
Evidence, applications and limits
Milk, fog, paint and gels are examples, and light scattering produces the Tyndall effect. Not every cloudy mixture is a colloid, so classification requires measurement. Comparisons can be misleading unless temperature, pressure, concentration and sample purity are stated.
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