Question

The dispersed phase in a colloidal solution is:

• A. Solute
• B. Solution
• C. Suspension
• D. Mixture

Hint:

In colloidal solutions, the solute particles are dispersed throughout the solvent but are large enough to scatter light and not settle out over time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In a colloidal solution, the dispersed phase is the phase that is distributed uniformly throughout another substance. This uniformly distributed substance is typically present in a smaller amount and is often referred to as the 'solute'. Therefore, in colloidal solutions, the correct term for the dispersed phase is Solute.

Colloidal solutions consist of two main parts:

• Dispersed Phase: The solute-like component, which is distributed as particles.
• Dispersion Medium: The solvent-like component, which disperses the particles.

Among the given options:

• Solute: Correct, as the dispersed phase in a colloidal solution.
• Solution: Incorrect, it is the combination of the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.
• Suspension: Incorrect, refers to a different type of mixture where the dispersed particles are larger and visible.
• Mixture: Incorrect, a broad term that could refer to any combination of substances, not specific to colloids.

Answer 2

The question asks what the dispersed phase in a colloidal solution is called. Check each option against the roles that make up a colloid.

1. Solute: in a colloid, the substance present in smaller amount and spread through the other substance is the dispersed phase, and this role is described using the same word used for a dissolved substance in a solution, solute. This matches the question directly.
2. Solution: a solution is the overall mixture formed by combining the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, not the dispersed phase by itself.
3. Suspension: this names an entirely different type of mixture, based on larger settling particles, not a component within a colloid.
4. Mixture: this is a broad, general word for any combination of substances, not the specific term for the dispersed component of a colloid.

The specific component spread through a colloid, in smaller proportion, is called the solute.

So the correct answer is solute.