Sol Definition
A sol is a type of colloid in which solid particles are suspended in a liquid. The particles in a sol are very small. The colloidal solution displays the Tyndall effect and is stable. Sols may be prepared via condensation or dispersion. Adding a dispersing agent may increase the stability of a sol. One important use of sols is in the preparation of sol-gels.
Sol Examples
Examples of sols include protoplasm, gel, starch in water, blood, paint, and pigmented ink.
Sol Properties
Sols display the following properties:
- Particle size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers
- Display the Tyndall effect
- Are heterogeneous mixtures
- Do not settle or separate over time
Source
- Brown, Theodore (2002). Chemistry : The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130669970.