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Question
Blood is an example of a colloidal mixture.
(i)
What would happen if blood behaved like a true suspension inside the body?
(ii)
In a blood sample, identify the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.
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Answer
(i) The cells would settle and block the flow. • (ii) Dispersed phase — blood cells; dispersion medium — plasma.
Part (i)
- The particles of a suspension settle whenever they are left without stirring.
- Blood cells would therefore settle inside the blood vessels, form clumps and block the flow of blood.
- The cells would no longer reach every part of the body equally, so oxygen, nutrients and hormones would not arrive where they are needed.
- The whole transport system of the body would fail.
Part (ii)
- Dispersed phase — the blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Dispersion medium — the plasma, which is the liquid part of blood.
Being a colloid rather than a suspension is exactly what keeps blood flowing.
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