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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Chemistry » What is a Colloid?

    What is a Colloid?

    November 15, 2018 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    What is a colloid ? A colloid is a mixture is two or more substances mixed together but not chemically combined ( they can be separated ). They are a special type of mixture where tiny particles of one substance are scattered through another substance. Cream is a colloid as it’s made up of tiny particles of fat dispersed in water.

    The particles making up a colloid are smaller than those in a suspension.

    If you put cream in a jar and shake for a about 10 minutes the fat molecules stick together, making butter and a liquid called buttermilk. Butter is also a colloid as there are water molecules trapped in between the fat.

    cream separated into butter and buttermilk

    Examples of colloids

    Milk

    Cream

    Mayonnaise is a mixture of oil and water, stabilised by proteins in the egg yolk. This is a special type of colloid known as an emulsion ( milk and cream are also emulsions )

    Blood

    An emulsion is a special type of colloid made up from a mixture of two liquids which form a stable substance that has different physical properties to the two individual liquids.

    Colloids can be made up of gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, solid-liquid or solid-gas.

    Can you think of any more colloid examples for us?

    Gas – liquid colloid

    Whisk double cream until it looks thick. This is whipped cream and is a gas-liquid colloid as gas has collected in the liquid forming a stable mixture.

    Liquid-liquid colloid

    Whisk two egg yolks with a little olive oil until you get mayonnaise. Remember mayonnaise is an emulsion.

    Solid-liquid Colloid

    If you make jelly with gelatin, this is a colloid of gelatin dispersed in water or juice.

    Solid -Gas Colloid

    Dust is made up of solid particles dispersed in the air.

    Colloids and Brownian Motion

    Colloids also exhibit Brownian movement. This is random zig zag motion of particles that can be seen under a microscope and happens when particles collide into each other in the dispersing medium ( for example – air, water )

    Tyndall Effect

    The Tyndall effect happens when light is scattered by particles of in its path to create a beam of light.

    Colloids exhibit the Tyndall effect. When a light is shone through a colloidal dispersion the light beam becomes visible as a column of light. The Tyndall Effect also makes clear substances containing tiny particles to appear slightly blue. This is because blue visible light ( which has the shortest wavelength ) is scattered by the particles, while longer wavelengths of light are not scattered. It is this effect that makes a blue iris look blue, not pigment!

    Questions to ask about colloids

    What is brownian motion?

    Name 4 examples?

    What is the Tyndall effect?

    Colloids - image of butter made from cream

    More easy chemistry experiments for kids

    Try making bath salts with Science Kids. You could even give these as a homemade gift afterwards!

    Or how about one of our huge collection of easy chemistry experiments.

    If you want something super quick and easy we’d definitely recommend this colourful skittles experiment, it looks mega impressive and all you need is a pack of skittles and some water!

    What is a colloid? Easy chemistry for kids. Make butter in a jar to demonstrate colloids. #chemistryforkids #scienceforkids #butterinajar

    Last Updated on June 30, 2019 by Emma Vanstone

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    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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