Suspension
Suspension is defined as a homogenous mixture of particles with diameter greater than 1000 nm such that the particles are visible to naked eyes. In this type of mixture all the components are completely mixed and all the particles can be seen under a microscope. If we take a glass full of water and mix mud in it, it will form a heterogeneous mixture. We can easily identify the components of these mixtures. After some time we will observe that particles of mud settles down due to gravity. The particles in suspension are larger than the particles in a solution.
Colloid
A Colloid is an intermediate between solution and suspension. It has particles with sizes between 2 to 1000 nanometers. A colloid is easily visible to naked eye. Colloids can be distinguished from solutions using Tyndall effect. Tyndall effect is defined as the scattering of light (light beam) through a colloidal solution. The particles are termed as colloidal particles and the mixture formed is known as colloidal dispersion. Liquid, solid and gases all mix together to form colloidal dispersion. The different types of colloidal solution are:
Aerosols: Solid or liquid mixed with gas; Example: fog (liquid in gas)
Sols: Solid mixed with liquid; Example: Paint
Emulsion: Liquid with liquid; Example: oil and water
Gel: liquid in solid; Example: Fruit jelly
Difference between Suspension and Colloid
| Suspension | Colloid |
| It is a form of homogeneous solution | It is a form of heterogeneous solution |
| Particle size greater than 1000 nm | Particle size range from 1-1000 nm |
| Particles settles down well | Particles do not separate |
| Can be separated by filtration | Cannot be separated by filtration |
| May scatter light | Shows Tyndall effect (scatters light) |
| Opaque | Translucent |
| Easily visible through naked eye | Not visible through naked eye |
