Identify each of the following as characteristic of a solution, colloid, or suspension:
a. particles of this mixture remain inside a semipermeable membrane but pass through filters

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of solution, colloid, and suspension: A solution is a homogeneous mixture with very small particles that do not settle out. A colloid is a mixture with intermediate-sized particles that do not settle out but can scatter light (Tyndall effect). A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture with large particles that settle out over time.
2. Review the behavior of particles in each type of mixture when interacting with a semipermeable membrane and filters: In a solution, particles are small enough to pass through both semipermeable membranes and filters. In a colloid, particles are small enough to pass through filters but too large to pass through a semipermeable membrane. In a suspension, particles are too large to pass through either a semipermeable membrane or a filter.
3. Analyze the given characteristic: The problem states that the particles remain inside a semipermeable membrane but pass through filters. This indicates that the particles are larger than the pores of the semipermeable membrane but smaller than the pores of the filter.
4. Match the characteristic to the correct type of mixture: Based on the analysis, this behavior is characteristic of a colloid, as colloidal particles are of intermediate size and exhibit this behavior.
5. Conclude that the mixture described in the problem is a colloid, as its particles remain inside a semipermeable membrane but pass through filters.

Key Concepts

Solution

A solution is a homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is completely dissolved in another (the solvent). The particles in a solution are at the molecular or ionic level, making them too small to be seen and able to pass through semipermeable membranes. This characteristic allows solutions to be separated from larger particles through filtration.

Colloid

A colloid is a mixture where tiny particles are dispersed throughout a continuous medium but do not settle out over time. The particles in a colloid are larger than those in a solution but smaller than those in a suspension, typically ranging from 1 nanometer to 1 micrometer. Colloids can pass through filters but are retained by semipermeable membranes, which distinguishes them from solutions.

Suspension

A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture in which larger particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas but are not dissolved. These particles are typically larger than 1 micrometer and will eventually settle out over time if left undisturbed. Suspensions cannot pass through filters and are also retained by semipermeable membranes, making them distinct from both solutions and colloids.