Emulsions are physically unstable.

Master the Pharmaceutics II Exam with our comprehensive resources. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations and solutions. Prepare effectively for success!

Multiple Choice

Emulsions are physically unstable.

Explanation:
Emulsions are physically unstable because they are dispersions of one liquid in another immiscible liquid, creating a large interfacial area with high interfacial tension. The system naturally tends to reduce that area, so droplets coalesce and separate into distinct phases over time. Differences in density cause creaming or sedimentation, and processes like Ostwald ripening can cause small droplets to shrink while larger ones grow, ultimately leading to phase separation. Emulsifiers or stabilizers can slow these processes and provide kinetic stability, but they don’t make the system thermodynamically stable. Therefore, the statement is true.

Emulsions are physically unstable because they are dispersions of one liquid in another immiscible liquid, creating a large interfacial area with high interfacial tension. The system naturally tends to reduce that area, so droplets coalesce and separate into distinct phases over time. Differences in density cause creaming or sedimentation, and processes like Ostwald ripening can cause small droplets to shrink while larger ones grow, ultimately leading to phase separation. Emulsifiers or stabilizers can slow these processes and provide kinetic stability, but they don’t make the system thermodynamically stable. Therefore, the statement is true.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy