Which one of the following methods is commonly used for the destruction of a colloid?
- Dialysis
- Condensation
- Filtration by animal membrane
- By adding electrolyte
Answer
(4) By adding electrolyte
Solution
∵ The stability of a lyophobic sol is due to the like charge on its particles, which keeps them apart.
⇒ On adding an electrolyte, the oppositely charged ions neutralise the charge on the colloidal particles.
⇒ The particles come together, grow in size and settle down — this is coagulation (destruction) of the colloid.
∴ Dialysis and ultrafiltration purify a sol, and condensation is a method of preparing one.
Answer: (4)