What are examples of colloids?

Here are some common examples.

Colloids

A colloid is a mixture whose particles range in size from 1 nm to 1000 nm and do not settle out on standing.

The colloidal particles are distributed in a dispersing medium, which can be a solid, liquid, or a gas.

Examples of colloids

(a) Gas dispersed in liquid (foams)

Whipped cream consists of tiny air bubbles dispersed in the liquid cream.

(b) Gas dispersed in a solid (solid foams)

Marshmallows consist of tiny air bubbles dispersed in a solid consisting of sugar and gelatin.

(c) Liquid dispersed in gas (fogs or aerosols)

Common fog is a dispersion of water droplets in the air.

(d) Liquid dispersed in liquid (emulsions)

Milk is an emulsion of liquid butterfat globules dispersed in a water-based solution.

(e) Liquid dispersed in solid (solid emulsions)

Butter is an emulsion of water droplets in solid butterfat.

(f) Solid dispersed in gas (smokes)

Smoke is a dispersion of finely divided soot particles in the atmosphere.

(g) Solid dispersed in liquid (sols and gels)

Gelatin is a dispersion of the protein molecules of gelatin in water.