Let’s go step by step:
Aerosol
- Definition: An aerosol is a type of colloid in which the dispersion medium is a gas (usually air) and the dispersed phase is either a solid or a liquid.
- Types:
- Liquid in gas → Fog, mist, clouds, sprays, deodorants.
- Solid in gas → Smoke, dust, automobile exhaust, airborne pollutants.
- Properties:
- Particles are very small, light, and remain suspended in air for a long time.
- Show Tyndall effect (scatter light).
- Play a big role in environmental and health effects (e.g., smog formation, spread of diseases).
- Applications:
- Used in aerosol sprays (perfumes, insecticides, medicines like asthma inhalers).
- Important in atmospheric science (cloud formation, climate effects).
- Used for air fresheners, disinfectants, and paints.
In short: An aerosol is a colloid where a solid or liquid is dispersed in a gas (e.g., fog, smoke, deodorant spray).