The gold number quantifies a colloid's protective capability. It represents the minimal quantity (in milligrams) of a lyophilic colloid needed to avert the coagulation of 10 ml of gold sol when 1 ml of a 10% sodium chloride solution is added. A lower gold number signifies superior protective power.
Evaluating the provided choices:
Given that option A presents the lowest gold number range, colloid A exhibits the highest protective power among the choices.
The correct answer is option A.
The gold number range of some of the lyophilic colloids is given below:
A: 0.005 - 0.01, B: 0.15 - 0.25, C: 0.04 - 1.0, D: 15 - 25.