What is the effect of increasing the dispersion medium's viscosity on suspension stability?

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Multiple Choice

What is the effect of increasing the dispersion medium's viscosity on suspension stability?

Explanation:
Raising the viscosity of the dispersion medium slows down particle movement, which reduces sedimentation. According to Stokes’ law, the settling velocity is inversely proportional to the medium’s viscosity, so a higher μ makes particles settle more slowly and stay dispersed longer. This slower sedimentation means less phase separation and fewer collisions that can lead to aggregation, overall increasing the suspension’s physical stability. Keep in mind that extremely high viscosity can make redispersion harder, but the primary effect here is improved stability through reduced settling.

Raising the viscosity of the dispersion medium slows down particle movement, which reduces sedimentation. According to Stokes’ law, the settling velocity is inversely proportional to the medium’s viscosity, so a higher μ makes particles settle more slowly and stay dispersed longer. This slower sedimentation means less phase separation and fewer collisions that can lead to aggregation, overall increasing the suspension’s physical stability. Keep in mind that extremely high viscosity can make redispersion harder, but the primary effect here is improved stability through reduced settling.

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