Kolloïdaal

Kolloïdaal refers to a state of matter where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another. In a colloidal dispersion, particles of one substance are suspended in another substance, but they are larger than molecules and smaller than what would be considered a suspension. The dispersed particles typically range in size from 1 nanometer to 1 micrometer. This intermediate size gives colloidal systems unique properties that differ from both true solutions, where solutes are molecularly dispersed, and coarse suspensions, where particles are large enough to settle out quickly.

Examples of colloidal systems are abundant in everyday life. Milk is a common example, where fat globules and protein molecules are dispersed in water. Fog and mist are colloids of water droplets in air. Jellies and jams are formed when a solid, like pectin, forms a colloidal network within a liquid. Paints are also colloidal dispersions of pigment particles in a liquid medium. The stability of colloids is often attributed to electrostatic repulsion between the dispersed particles, preventing them from aggregating and settling. However, factors like temperature changes or the addition of electrolytes can destabilize a colloid, leading to precipitation or flocculation. The study of colloids, known as colloid chemistry, is important in various scientific and industrial fields, including materials science, food science, and pharmaceuticals.