Which of the following methods will cause colloid particles to settle out of a mixture?

• A. Filtration
• B. Evaporation
• C. Centrifugation
• D. Simple decantation

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that colloid particles are typically too small to be separated by ordinary filtration because they do not settle out easily due to their small size and Brownian motion.
2. Recognize that evaporation removes the solvent by turning it into vapor, but it does not cause the colloid particles themselves to settle out of the mixture.
3. Know that centrifugation uses rapid spinning to apply a strong centrifugal force, which helps separate particles based on their size and density, causing colloid particles to settle out effectively.
4. Simple decantation involves carefully pouring off the liquid to separate it from settled particles, but since colloid particles do not settle readily, this method is generally ineffective for colloids.
5. Therefore, among the given methods, centrifugation is the correct technique to cause colloid particles to settle out of a mixture.