Adsorption and Colloids — Chemistry STD 11 Science — Question

Applications of colloids:
i. Electrical precipitation of smoke:

• Smoke is a colloidal solution of solid particles of carbon, arsenic compound, dust, etc. in the air.
• When smoke is allowed to pass through chamber containing charged plates, smoke particles lose their charge and get precipitated. The particles then settle down on the floor of the chamber.
• The precipitator used is called Cottrell precipitator.

ii. Purification of drinking water:

• Water obtained from natural sources contains colloidal impurities.
• By addition of alum to such water, colloidal impurities get coagulated and settle down. This makes water potable.

iii. Medicines:

• Usually medicines are colloidal in nature.
• Colloidal medicines are more effective owing to large surface area to volume ratio of a colloidal particle and easy assimilation.
  e.g. Argyrol is a silver sol used as an eye lotion. Milk of magnesia, an emulsion is used in stomach disorders.

iv. Rubber industry: Rubber is obtained by coagulation of latex.
v. Cleansing action of soaps and detergents.
vi. Photographic plates, films, and industrial products like paints, inks, synthetic plastics, rubber, graphite lubricants, cement, etc. are colloids.