Question

Tyndall effect is produced by:

• A. True solutions of light
• B. Scattering of light
• C. Refraction of light
• D. Movement of particles

Hint:

The Tyndall effect is a result of the scattering of light by particles in colloidal solutions, not by their movement or refraction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Tyndall effect is a phenomenon where light is scattered by particles in a colloid or in small particles in a fine suspension. This occurs when the diameter of the particles is in the range of 1 nanometer to 1 micrometer. The effect is named after the 19th-century physicist John Tyndall who first studied it.

Let's explore why the correct answer is "Scattering of light":

• Scattering of light: The Tyndall effect is directly related to the scattering of light. When a beam of light passes through a colloidal solution or a suspension, the particles scatter the light in different directions, making the path of the beam visible. This is the correct explanation for the phenomenon observed in the Tyndall effect.
• True solutions of light: In a true solution, the solute particles are molecular-sized (less than 1 nanometer) and do not scatter light; thus, they do not show the Tyndall effect.
• Refraction of light: Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, which is a different phenomenon from scattering.
• Movement of particles: While the movement of particles can cause scattering, the Tyndall effect specifically refers to the scattering aspect rather than the mere movement of particles.

Therefore, the Tyndall effect is characterized by the scattering of light due to the presence of particles in a colloid or a fine suspension.