Activated Charcoal: A Colloidal Gel

What is activated charcoal classified as?

A. elixir
B. suspension
C. solution
D. gel

Final answer:

Activated charcoal is classified as a gel, which is a type of colloid characterized by a liquid phase dispersed throughout a solid phase, creating a semisolid mixture that doesn't flow easily.

Answer:

Activated charcoal is an example of a gel, which is a colloidal dispersion of a liquid in a solid.

According to the given information, a gel is a semisolid colloid in which the liquid phase has been absorbed by solid particles, preventing the mixture from flowing readily. This definition distinguishes a gel from solutions, which are homogeneous mixtures, and suspensions, which are heterogeneous mixtures where the particles can settle.

Gelatin desserts like Jell-O demonstrate the properties of gels; upon cooling, the hot aqueous mixture coagulates, forming a viscous body known as a gel. The colloidal particles in a gel create a network that traps the liquid phase within, which aligns perfectly with the characteristics of activated charcoal that typically displays a porous structure trapping substances.