What is a chemical suspension?

In chemistry, a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture containing solid particles large enough for sedimentation. These particles are usually larger than one micrometer and will eventually settle out of the fluid unless disturbed. The mixture is considered a suspension specifically while the particles remain unsettled.

What we know

• A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture consisting of a fluid and solid particles that undergo sedimentation. [1, 2]
• The suspended solid particles are usually larger than one micrometer and can often be visible to the naked eye. [2]
• A mixture is classified strictly as a suspension while the solid particles have not yet settled out of the fluid. [2]

Where to go next

• compared withHow do colloids differ from suspensions?
• a case in pointHow is suspension polymerization used to make plastics?
• the bigger pictureWhat is a heterogeneous mixture?
• how it workedWhat causes sediment to settle out of liquids?
• whoWho were the early pioneers of colloid science?
• an unexpected connectionHow does polymer manufacturing rely on liquid suspension?Commercial resins like PVC are produced by suspending liquid monomer droplets in a continuously stirred water phase.

Sources

• [1]suspension (Wikidata Q26100) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Suspension (chemistry) · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Colloid · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Suspension polymerization · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Base (chemistry) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. What is cardiovascular disease and how does it develop?
2. /What is a chemical suspension?