What is a suspension?

A suspension is best defined as a heterogeneous mixture that separates into layers over time. This means that in a suspension, the different components do not combine uniformly, allowing for the distinct separation of particles when left undisturbed.

In a suspension, larger particles are dispersed in a liquid or gas; however, they are not soluble. As time passes, gravity causes the heavier particles to settle at the bottom, leading to a clear distinction between the settled particles and the liquid above. This characteristic of separation is a defining property of suspensions, making them different from homogeneous mixtures, where components are uniformly distributed, and from solutions, where solutes are completely dissolved in solvents.

Understanding suspensions is important in various contexts, such as in medicine and food products, where the stability and proper mixing of the components are crucial for effectiveness and consistency.