Emulsion colloid is a term used in chemistry to describe a type of mixture where small particles of one substance are suspended throughout another substance. The word "emulsion" is spelled /ɪˈmʌl.ʃən/ and refers to the mixture of two immiscible liquids, while "colloid" is spelled /ˈkɒl.ɔɪd/ and refers to the particles dispersed throughout the mixture. The spelling of this word may be confusing for non-native speakers, but by using IPA phonetic transcription, pronunciation and spelling become easier to understand.
An emulsion colloid refers to a type of colloid where two immiscible substances, usually liquids, are mixed together to form a stable dispersion. It is a colloidal system in which one liquid is dispersed as small droplets within the other liquid. The two main components of an emulsion are the dispersed phase and the continuous phase.
The dispersed phase consists of tiny droplets of one liquid that are uniformly distributed throughout the continuous phase, which is the other liquid. The droplets of the dispersed phase are typically much smaller than the particles of a suspension, but larger than the molecules in a solution.
Emulsion colloids are stabilized by the presence of an emulsifier or surfactant, which helps to reduce the surface tension between the immiscible liquids and prevent them from separating. The emulsifier molecules have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail, allowing them to surround and disperse the liquid droplets within the continuous phase.
The properties of emulsion colloids can vary depending on the ratio of the dispersed phase to the continuous phase and the nature of the emulsifier used. Emulsion colloids are commonly found in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Examples of emulsion colloids include milk, mayonnaise, and lotion.
In summary, an emulsion colloid is a stable dispersion of tiny droplets of one liquid within another, which is formed by the addition of an emulsifier.
Dispersoid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "emulsion" originated from the Latin term "emulsio", which means "a milk-like liquid", and is derived from the verb "emulgere", meaning "to milk out". The word "colloid" comes from the Greek word "kolla", meaning "glue", and the suffix "-oid", which indicates resemblance or similarity. Therefore, "emulsion colloid" refers to a type of colloid that has a milk-like appearance or consistency.