Science, Tech, Math › Science Sol Definition in Chemistry What Is a Sol? Print A gel is a type of sol, which is in turn an example of a colloid. Image Source, Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on June 04, 2019 Sol Definition A sol is a type of colloid in which solid particles are suspended in a liquid. The particles in a sol are very small. The colloidal solution displays the Tyndall effect and is stable. Sols may be prepared via condensation or dispersion. Adding a dispersing agent may increase the stability of a sol. One important use of sols is in the preparation of sol-gels. Sol Examples Read More Colloid Definition - Chemistry Glossary By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Examples of sols include protoplasm, gel, starch in water, blood, paint, and pigmented ink. Sol Properties Sols display the following properties: Particle size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometersDisplay the Tyndall effectAre heterogeneous mixturesDo not settle or separate over time Source Brown, Theodore (2002). Chemistry : The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130669970. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Sol Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation