Advantages and Disadvantages of Suspension

Suspension

A heterogeneous combination is referred to as "suspension." In this, the particles do not dissolve, but they remain suspended. It's possible to see the particles with the naked eye, and the suspension particle size is greater than 100 nm to 200 nm.

Characteristics and properties of Suspension

1. A heterogeneous mixture consists of 2 or more distinct components.
2. Demonstrates the Tyndall effect due to the huge particle size.
3. Suspension is unstable because the solution is left unattended for a long and the particles settle to the bottom.
4. By using the physical technique, separating the suspension's particles is feasible.
5. The solute's particles do not mix in the solution and become suspended for the rest of the time.
6. The nature of suspensions is obscure.

Examples of Suspension

1. Oil is shaken in the water: The nature of water molecules is polar, and the oil particles are hydrophobic or nonpolar. As the different natures of the substances creating the suspension, oil shaken in water generates a suspension.
2. Dust in the air: It is an example of a solid-gas suspension. Different particles, such as pollen grains or hair, are present in the dust particles. Since they have a low weight, the wind and ventilation systems can transport these particles. These particles gradually settle on the earth's surface.
3. Soot in the air: Carbon particles from coal combustion and other carbon-rich energy sources make up soot. The soot halts in the air as a solid-gas mixture. You can see this in power plants.
4. Sand particles suspended in water.
5. Milk of magnesia
6. Muddy water
7. Paints in which dyes are suspended in turpentine oil.
8. Flour in water
9. Slaked lime for whitewashing

Advantages of Suspension

1. Utilize numerous medications or drugs

One of the main components of syrups or drugs is suspension. Suspension aids in stabilizing the medication's chemical effects. Suspension plays a crucial part in the pharmaceutical industry.

2. Utilized in paints

The paint molecule remains floating in the mixture, making it easier to apply it evenly to the entire wall. Before using, the paint should be properly shaken because particles can occasionally settle down in the paintbox.

3. Drug taste or smell is improved by suspension

Many drugs taste bitter because of a component present in the liquid. Children dislike consuming such bitter and offensive syrups or solutions, so they don't drink them, which causes problems for their parents because they cannot recover quickly. However, the fruity flavour and aroma of the suspension encourage kids to drink the medication.

4. Prevents drug from deterioration

Pharmaceutical suspension protects against drug deterioration caused by microbial, oxidative, or hydrolytic activity.

Disadvantages of Suspension

1. Particle sedimentation

In suspension, the particles are large and occasionally settle to the bottom of the jar. Most syrup bottles include advice to shake properly before use because sedimentation decreases the medication's impact.

2. Making dosage challenging

It is difficult to make or determine the composition of a medication dose, and several tests and studies are required to create a dose for the disease.

3. It is impossible to accurately measure the dose

It's not necessary to always have an exact amount of suspension because, based on the illness, the dosage change. Dosage accuracy depends on expert advice, and appropriate safety measures must be followed when producing medications.

4. It is large

Formulations of suspensions are large, and it is hard for a patient to transport them.

FAQs about Suspension

1. What are the physical characteristics of suspension?

Answer:

Suspensions have the following physical characteristics:

1) Varying in colour

2) Looks foggy or hazy

3) Particles settle to the bottom.

2. Describe the suspension's components.

Answer:

Suspensions typically have two components.

1) The first component is the dispersed material, which is the solid particle.

2) The second component is the dispersion medium, which is the place where dispersed materials are distributed.

3. Why does shaking mercury in oil referred to as a suspension?

Answer:

Under normal temperature and pressure, mercury is a liquid element. Mercury is a metallic substance that can be added to the oil to produce a suspension. The particles will ultimately separate because they won't dissolve.