Exciting Colloids: Hair Spray and Hair Gel

Colloids are mixtures where particles are dispersed throughout a medium, creating a stable suspension. In the case of hair spray, the dispersed phase is the gas particles, while the dispersion medium is the liquid. This means that within the liquid medium of hair spray, there are small gas particles suspended throughout.

On the other hand, in the case of hair gel, the dispersed phase is the solid particles, and the dispersion medium is the liquid. This implies that within the liquid medium of hair gel, solid particles are dispersed evenly, creating the gel-like consistency we are familiar with.

Understanding the dispersed phase and dispersion medium in colloids like hair spray and hair gel helps us comprehend how these products work and why they have the properties they do. By recognizing these components, we can appreciate the science behind everyday items we use.