Very large particles dispersed in another substance are classified as which type of dispersion?

Particles that are classified as very large and dispersed in another substance typically fall into the category of a colloidal dispersion. In colloids, the dispersed particles are larger than those found in solutions but smaller than those found in suspensions. These particles are usually in the range of 1 nanometer to 1 micrometer in diameter.

In a colloidal system, the dispersed phase (the particles) does not settle out under the influence of gravity, and the mixture often exhibits unique properties such as the Tyndall effect, where light is scattered by the particles.

This concept differentiates colloidal dispersions from other types of mixtures. For example, while suspensions can contain larger particles that eventually settle due to gravity, colloids remain evenly distributed and stable over time. Therefore, classifying very large dispersed particles as colloidal is accurate because it reflects the behavior and characteristics of those particles in relation to the dispersion medium.