Question

What causes brownian motion in colloidal dispersion?

Answer 1

In a colloid, the solvent particles exert an unbalanced force on the solute particles. This causes the solute particles in the colloid to move in a zigzag manner. Such zigzag motion of particles is called Brownian motion.

Answer 2

Answer:

(1) Brownian movement : The random ceaseless motion of the colloidal or disperse phase particles taking place in all directions over a large area is called Brownian motion.

(2) Cause of Brownian motion :

(i) This movement arises due to constant bombardment by the molecules of the dispersion medium on the colloidal particles. colloidal particles acquire kinetic energy due to collisions by the dispersion medium molecules.

(ii) Since the colloidal particles are heavier than the molecules of the dispersion medium their Brownian motion is much slower than that of the medium molecules.