Choose the dispersed phase, dispersion medium and type of colloid, respectively in milk of magnesia:

Question

Accepted Answer

Milk of magnesia is a common name for a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water. In this context, let's analyze why Option 2 is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Solid, Liquid, Sol):**
   - **Dispersed Phase (Solid):** In milk of magnesia, the dispersed phase is solid magnesium hydroxide particles. These particles are finely divided and suspended in the liquid medium.
   - **Dispersion Medium (Liquid):** The dispersion medium is water, which is the liquid in which the solid particles are dispersed.
   - **Type of Colloid (Sol):** A sol is a type of colloid where solid particles are dispersed in a liquid medium. Since milk of magnesia consists of solid particles (magnesium hydroxide) dispersed in a liquid (water), it is classified as a sol.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Liquid, Solid, Gel):**
     - This option suggests that the dispersed phase is liquid and the dispersion medium is solid, forming a gel. However, in milk of magnesia, the dispersed phase is solid (magnesium hydroxide), not liquid, and the medium is liquid (water), not solid. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe the composition of milk of magnesia.

- **Option 3 (Liquid, Liquid, Emulsion):**
     - An emulsion is a colloid formed by the dispersion of liquid droplets in another liquid. Milk of magnesia does not consist of two immiscible liquids; instead, it has solid particles dispersed in a liquid. Thus, this option is incorrect as it does not match the characteristics of milk of magnesia.

- **Option 4 (Gas, Liquid, Foam):**
     - A foam is a colloid where gas bubbles are dispersed in a liquid. Milk of magnesia does not contain gas as the dispersed phase; it contains solid particles. Therefore, this option is not applicable to milk of magnesia.

In conclusion, Option 2 correctly identifies the dispersed phase as solid, the dispersion medium as liquid, and the type of colloid as sol, which accurately describes the nature of milk of magnesia.