Phases of Colloidal Solution

Colloids solutions are heterogenous in nature and always consist of at least two phases: the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.

Dispersed Phase: It is the substance present in small proportion and consists of particles of colloids size (1 to 100 nm).

Dispersion Medium: It is the medium in which the colloids particles are dispersed.

For example, in a colloidal solution of sulphur in water, sulphur particles constitute the dispersed phase and water is the dispersion medium.

Each of the two phases namely, dispersed phase and dispersion medium can be solid, liquid or gas. Thus, different types of colloidal solutions are possible depending upon the
physical state of the two phases. Gases cannot form a colloidal solution between themselves, because they form homogenous mixtures.