A gel is a type of colloidal system in which a liquid is dispersed in a solid medium. It has a semi-solid structure that looks solid but contains a large amount of liquid trapped within it.
- In a gel, the dispersion medium is liquid and the dispersed phase is solid.
- The solid network forms a three-dimensional framework that holds the liquid in place, giving the gel its jelly-like consistency.
- Gels are neither completely solid nor fully liquid; they show properties of both.
- They are generally soft, elastic, and can return to their original shape after deformation.
Examples of gels:
- Gelatin jelly (used in food).
- Aloe vera gel (used in skincare).
- Hair gel (used in cosmetics).
- Silica gel (used as a drying agent, though it looks like beads).
- Fruit jams and jellies (common in food products).
In short, a gel is a colloid where a liquid is trapped inside a solid framework, resulting in a semi-solid, jelly-like material.