Solutions that show the Tyndall effect are colloidal solutions containing suspended particles large enough to scatter light. Examples of such solutions include:
- Milk : It is a colloidal suspension of fat particles in water and shows the Tyndall effect due to these suspended particles
- Starch solution : It is a colloidal solution where starch particles are suspended in water, causing scattering of light and thus exhibiting the Tyndall effect
- Aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxide : This is a colloidal solution that also shows the Tyndall effect because of the suspended colloidal particles
In contrast, true solutions such as sugar solution, salt (sodium chloride) solution, and copper sulfate solution do not show the Tyndall effect because their particles are too small (less than 1 nm) and do not scatter light
. Summary:
Solution Type| Shows Tyndall Effect?| Reason
---|---|---
Milk (colloidal)| Yes| Suspended fat particles scatter light
Starch solution (colloidal)| Yes| Suspended starch particles scatter light
Aluminum hydroxide solution| Yes| Colloidal particles scatter light
Salt solution (true solution)| No| Particles too small to scatter light
Sugar solution (true solution)| No| Particles too small to scatter light
Copper sulfate solution (true solution)| No| Particles too small to scatter
light
Thus, solutions like milk and starch solution clearly show the Tyndall effect due to their colloidal nature, while true solutions do not
