Starch mucilage is classified as a colloidal system rather than a true solution. Which of … — JAMB UTME

Starch mucilage is classified as a colloidal system rather than a true solution. Which of the following physical properties distinguishes starch mucilage from a true solution of sodium chloride?

Ability to scatter a beam of light passing through the mixtureAnswer
B
Rapid settling of dispersed particles under gravity upon standing
C
Retention of dispersed particles when passed through standard laboratory filter paper
D
Distinct separation of phases visible to the naked eye

Answer

The ability to scatter a beam of light passing through the mixture (the Tyndall effect)

Colloidal systems such as starch mucilage contain particles ranging from

1\text{ nm}

100\text{ nm}

which scatter light (the Tyndall effect). In contrast, true solutions like sodium chloride contain ions or molecules smaller than

1\text{ nm}

that cannot scatter visible light.

Step-by-Step Solution

Compare particle size ranges of true solutions and colloidal systems.

True solutions have solute particles smaller than

1\text{ nm}

, whereas colloidal systems have dispersed particles in the range of

1\text{ nm}

100\text{ nm}

Particle size dictates whether light scattering occurs.

Identify the optical phenomenon associated with colloidal particle sizes.

Particles between

1\text{ nm}

and

100\text{ nm}

scatter light rays, making the beam's path visible (Tyndall effect).

This property clearly differentiates colloids like starch mucilage from true solutions like sodium chloride in water.

Key Concept

Tyndall Effect and Particle Size Differences in Mixtures

Estimated Time:45s

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Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

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