Yes, chalk in water is a suspension.
Understanding Suspensions
A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid but do not dissolve. These particles are large enough to be visible and will settle out over time if left undisturbed.
Chalk in Water: An Example of a Suspension
According to the provided reference:
- "On dissolving chalk in water, it does not dissolve completely in water. The chalk powder settles down which can be seen by bare eyes easily. Therefore, chalk powder dissolved in water is an example of a suspension."
This statement clearly indicates that when chalk is mixed with water:
- The chalk does not fully dissolve.
- The chalk particles remain visible.
- The chalk particles will eventually settle at the bottom.
These characteristics align perfectly with the definition of a suspension. The undissolved chalk particles are suspended throughout the water, making it a heterogeneous mixture. Given enough time, gravity will pull the chalk particles down, causing them to settle out of the mixture.
Characteristics of Suspensions
To further clarify why chalk in water is a suspension, here's a summary of key suspension characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description | Example: Chalk in Water |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | Relatively large particles (visible to the naked eye). | Chalk particles are visible and don't dissolve. |
| Settling | Particles settle out over time. | Chalk particles settle at the bottom of the container. |
| Homogeneity | Heterogeneous mixture (non-uniform). | The mixture is cloudy and not uniformly distributed. |
| Filtration | Particles can be separated by filtration. | Chalk can be filtered out of the water. |
| Light Scattering | Suspensions scatter light, making the mixture appear cloudy or opaque. | Chalk water appears cloudy because the chalk scatters light. |
