A colloid is a substance microscopically dispersed throughout another substance. The dispersed-phase particles have a diameter of between approximately 2 and 500 nanometers. Such particles are normally invisible in an optical microscope, though their presence can be confirmed with the use of an ultra-microscope or an electron microscope. Homogenous mixtures with a dispersed phase in this size range may be called colloidal aerosols, colloidal emulsions, colloidal foams, colloidal dispersions, orhydrosols.
The dispersed-phase particles or droplets are affected largely by the surface chemistry present in the colloid. Some colloids are translucent because of the Tyndall effect, which is the scattering of light by particles in the colloid. Other colloids may be opaque or have a slight color like colloidal Gold.
The Earth is made up of 30% colloids and 70% water, as is the human body. This specific ratio is not a coincidence, but a consequence of Natural Law. In addition to particle size and ratio, a colloidal system must have three other qualities; It must be heterogeneous, meaning that it contains at least two dissimilar components, such as gold particles and a water medium; The system must be multiphasic, meaning that it is a combination of solid/liquid, gas/liquid, etc.
The particles must be insoluble, meaning they don’t dissolve in the medium. These three qualities interact with each other to give colloids their unique nature. A fascinating thing about colloids is that the system retains its colloidal properties as long as a larger number, if not all, of the particles are in the proper size range. Also, even though the particles aren’t dissolved, they don’t pile up due to gravity unless disturbed. All living things are dependent upon colloids from the soil for life and health. By absorption, the root systems of plants assimilate colloids of life. These plants ultimately participate in building and fuelling the bodies of all living things that consume them.
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