How to Calculate Colloid
What is Colloid?
Colloid properties: suspensions of 1 nm-1 μm particles; colloidal stability depends on pH, ionic strength, surface charge.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Input particle size, charge, solution composition
- 2Calculate DLVO potential or colloidal stability
- 3Predict aggregation/sedimentation
Worked Examples
Input
Oil-in-water emulsion: stability improved by surfactants reducing interfacial tension
Result
Surfactant concentration critical
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Neglecting DLVO interactions
- ✕Not accounting for pH effects on charge
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are colloids kinetically stable?
Brownian motion prevents settling; particles too small for gravity, too fast for diffusion aggregation.
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