COLLOIDAL Meaning and
Definition
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Colloidal refers to a state or substance characterized by the presence of finely dispersed particles suspended in a medium, such as a liquid or a gas. These particles, referred to as colloids, are larger than individual molecules or ions but smaller than visible particles, usually ranging between 1 and 1000 nanometers in size.
Colloidals are formed when a substance is dispersed throughout another substance, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture. Unlike solutions where particles dissolve and become homogeneously distributed at a molecular level, colloidal particles do not dissolve and retain their individual existence within the medium. These particles may be composed of various materials, including solids, liquids, or even gases.
Colloidal systems are characterized by their ability to scatter light, which gives them a distinct appearance. They often exhibit phenomena such as the Tyndall effect, where the path of light passing through the mixture is visible due to the scattering of light by the colloidal particles. This scattering is caused by the particles being larger than the wavelength of light, resulting in the diffusion of light in various directions.
Colloids have unique properties that distinguish them from other types of mixtures. For example, they can be stable and exhibit resistance to settling due to factors such as Brownian motion, which causes the particles to constantly move and collide. Additionally, colloidal systems can display unique behavior related to surface charges and interparticle forces, which can be influenced by factors such as pH or temperature.
Colloidal substances have diverse applications in various fields, including medicine, industry, and materials science, due to their unique properties and behaviors.
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Etymology of COLLOIDAL
The word "colloidal" is derived from the Greek word "kolla", which means "glue" or "glue-like substance". It refers to the colloidal state of matter, where particles are evenly dispersed in a medium, giving it a gelatinous or glue-like consistency. The suffix "-idal" comes from the Latin suffix "-īdalis" or "-idus", which means "relating to" or "pertaining to". Therefore, "colloidal" signifies "relating to a colloidal state".
Similar spelling words for COLLOIDAL
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