How do solutions differ from suspensions?

1 Answer
Aug 3, 2018

Well solutions are homogeneous, i.e. all its components are in the SAME phase...

Explanation:

The air we breathe is an homogeneous solution of dioxygen, dinitrogen, and a few other gases. A soft-drink is an homogeneous solution of water, sugar, and (maybe) carbon dioxide.

On the other hand, a suspension is an inhomogeneous mixture, i.e. an heterogeneous mixture, in which the components are NOT in the same phase. The solute particles are not dissolved, and the particle size is in general small. A aerosol stream from a can in air is an example of a suspension, and so is sand in water. Over time, depending on the size of the particles, the particles might settle out.