Question:medium

Gold numbers of some colloids are : Gelatin : 0.005 - 0.01, Gum Arabic : 0.15 - 0.25; Oleate : 0.04 - 1.0; Starch : 15 - 25. Which among these is a better protective colloid ?

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • Gelatin
  • Gum Arabic
  • Oleate
  • Starch
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine which colloid is a better protective colloid, we need to understand the concept of the "gold number." The gold number is a measure of the protective power of a colloid. It is defined as the minimum amount of a protective colloid in milligrams required to prevent the coagulation (or precipitation) of 10 mL of a standard gold sol by the addition of 1 mL of 10% sodium chloride solution. A lower gold number indicates a better protective colloid because it means that a smaller amount of the colloid is required to provide protection.

Let's analyze the given gold numbers for each colloid:

  • Gelatin: 0.005 - 0.01
  • Gum Arabic: 0.15 - 0.25
  • Oleate: 0.04 - 1.0
  • Starch: 15 - 25

From these values, Gelatin has the smallest range of gold numbers (0.005 - 0.01), indicating that it requires the least amount to effectively protect against coagulation. Therefore, it is the best protective colloid among the options provided.

To conclude, Gelatin is a better protective colloid than the other substances listed because it has the lowest gold number.

Was this answer helpful?
0