Properties of Colloids

Tyndall Effect


Tyndall observed this phenomenon in 1869. He observed that when a beam of 
light is allowed to pass through a colloidal solution, the path of light gets 
illuminated. This phenomenon is known as Tyndall Effect. It occurs because light is 
scattered by particles present in colloidal solution. The intensity of the scattered 
light depends on the difference between the refractive indices of the dispersed 
phase and the dispersion medium. Greater is the difference, greater the intensity of 
light.

Brownian Movement 

There are continuous collisions between the colloidal particles and molecules of 
dispersion medium which are in constant motion and passes kinetic energy to colloidal 
particles by striking it from all sides. This results into zigzag movement of colloidal 

particles. This zigzag movement of colloidal particles is known as Brownian movement.

Colligative Property


Colligative properties depend upon the number of moles of solute present in 
given mass of solvent. It does not depend on nature of solute particles. Colloidal 
particles are not simple molecules, they are aggregations of molecules. Hence, 
all colloidal dispersions give low value of osmotic pressure, depression in freezing 
point and elevation in boiling point.

Electrophoresis


The movement of colloidal particles under the influence of electric field is 
called Electrophoresis. When an electric field is applied across the colloidal 
solution, the colloidal particles migrate to oppositely charged electrode where 
they get neutralized. This phenomenon is known as electrophoresis.

Electro Osmosis


When electrophoresis of dispersed particle in a colloidal system is prevented by 
some suitable means, it is observed that dispersion medium itself begins to move 
in an electric field. This phenomenon is known as electro osmosis.