Solutions, Suspensions, and Colloids

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________________

Introduction:

This activity will allow you to observe the three types of mixtures – solutions, suspensions, and colloids. You will be
experimenting with mixtures and other tools to test whether or not each of these mixtures demonstrate the Tyndall
Effect.

Materials:
3 transparent glass or plastic cups stirrer or spoon flashlight water
sand or soil milk salt

Procedure:
1. Label the 3 plastic cups numbers 1, 2, and 3.
2. Fill the 3 cups with two-thirds full of water
3. Put salt into the first cup (cup 1), milk into the second cup (cup 2), and soil into the third cup (cup 3).
4. Stir each mixture.
5. Make your predictions on what will happen when you shine the flashlight through the glass or cup.

Mixture # 1 – Salt and Water

Question: What will happen when you shine the light through the mixture?
Observation:

Data
Do the particles in the mixture Does it demonstrate the Tyndall Classification (solution, suspension,
settle? Effect? or colloid)

Mixture # 2 – Milk and Water

Question: What will happen when you shine the light through the mixture?
Observation:

Data
Do the particles in the mixture Does it demonstrate the Tyndall Classification (solution, suspension,
settle? Effect? or colloid)
 Mixture # 3 – Soil and Water
Question: What will happen when you shine the light through the mixture?
Observation:

Data
Do the particles in the mixture Does it demonstrate the Tyndall Classification (solution, suspension,
settle? Effect? or colloid)