Question

The Zeta potential is related to which property of colloids?

• A. Colour
• B. Tyndall effect
• C. Charge on the surface of colloidal particles
• D. Brownian movement

Hint:

A high zeta potential (positive or negative) indicates that the colloidal system is stable because the particles will repel each other and won't aggregate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks about the relationship between Zeta potential and a property of colloids. Let's explore this concept in detail:

1. Definition and Importance of Zeta Potential: Zeta potential is a scientific term to describe the electrostatic potential at the slip plane of particles in a colloidal suspension. It is an important parameter that affects the stability of colloid systems. The zeta potential indicates the degree of repulsion between adjacent, similarly charged particles in dispersion.
2. Explanation of Colloids: Colloids are mixtures where one substance of microscopically dispersed insoluble particles is suspended throughout another substance. The stability of colloids against aggregation or settling is one of the key factors for their use in various applications.
3. Relation between Zeta Potential and Charge: Zeta potential is directly related to the charge on the surface of colloidal particles. It measures the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the stationary layer of fluid attached to the dispersed particle.
4. Correct Option Analysis:
   • Colour: This option is incorrect. The colour of colloids is related to the size and nature of the dispersed particles and their interaction with light, not the zeta potential.
   • Tyndall Effect: This is also not correct. The Tyndall effect refers to the scattering of light by colloidal particles and is independent of the zeta potential.
   • Charge on the surface of colloidal particles: This is the correct answer. Zeta potential directly measures the electrostatic charge on the surface of colloidal particles.
   • Brownian Movement: This is incorrect as well. Brownian movement is the random motion of particles and is influenced by kinetic energy, not solely by zeta potential.

Thus, the Zeta potential is related to the Charge on the surface of colloidal particles, which is the correct answer.