Colloid vs. Emulsion: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

A colloid is a mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another, while an emulsion is a specific type of colloid where liquid droplets are dispersed in another liquid.

Colloid vs. Emulsion

Key Differences

Colloids are mixtures where tiny particles of one substance are dispersed throughout another substance, while emulsions are colloids specifically with liquids dispersed in other liquids. Both involve one substance being distributed within another.

Nov 28, 2023

In colloids, the dispersed particles can be solid, liquid, or gas, whereas in emulsions, the dispersed phase and the continuous phase are both liquids. This is a key difference in their composition.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloids can be found in various forms like foams, aerosols, and gels, each with different dispersed and continuous phases. Emulsions, however, are always liquid in liquid, such as oil in water.

Nov 28, 2023

Stability varies between colloids and emulsions; colloids can be more stable, whereas emulsions often require stabilizing agents like emulsifiers to prevent separation. This difference highlights their physical properties.

Nov 28, 2023

Examples of colloids include fog (liquid in gas) and jelly (solid in liquid), while examples of emulsions include mayonnaise and vinaigrette, both of which are liquid-liquid mixtures.

Nov 28, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Dispersed Phase

Can be solid, liquid, or gas

Always liquid

Nov 28, 2023

Continuous Phase

Can be solid, liquid, or gas

Always liquid

Nov 28, 2023

Types

Includes foams, aerosols, gels, etc.

Specifically liquid in liquid

Nov 28, 2023

Stability

Naturally more stable

Often requires emulsifiers

Nov 28, 2023

Common Examples

Fog, jelly, smoke

Mayonnaise, milk, lotions

Nov 28, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Colloid and Emulsion Definitions

Colloid

Particles in a colloid are microscopic and evenly distributed.

The colloid in this cream helps moisturize the skin.

Nov 28, 2023

Emulsion

A mixture of two liquids that are normally immiscible.

Salad dressing is an emulsion of oil and vinegar.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

Colloids are heterogeneous mixtures.

A colloid solution of starch in water turned opaque.

Nov 28, 2023

Emulsion

Often appears cloudy or creamy.

The emulsion in this sauce gives it a creamy texture.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

Can be classified based on the state of the dispersed and continuous phase.

Aerosol sprays are colloids with liquid dispersed in a gas.

Nov 28, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Emulsion

Can separate over time without an emulsifier.

The homemade vinaigrette emulsion separated overnight.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

A system in which finely divided particles, which are approximately 1 to 1,000 millimicrons in size, are dispersed within a continuous medium in a manner that prevents them from being filtered easily or settled rapidly.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

Requires an emulsifying agent to remain stable.

Mayonnaise is an emulsion stabilized with egg yolk.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

The particulate matter so dispersed.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

Common in culinary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.

The lotion is an emulsion that combines oil and water.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

The gelatinous stored secretion of the thyroid gland, consisting mainly of thyroglobulin.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

A suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix

An emulsion of oil in vinegar.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

Gelatinous material resulting from degeneration in diseased tissue.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

A photosensitive coating, usually of silver halide grains in a thin gelatin layer, on photographic film, paper, or glass.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

Of, relating to, containing, or having the nature of a colloid.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

A stable suspension of small droplets of one liquid in another with which it is immiscible.

Mayonnaise is an emulsion where egg is used to keep oil and water mixed.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

Glue-like; gelatinous.

Colloid tumours

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

(chemistry) A colloid in which both phases are liquid.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

(chemistry) A stable system of two phases, one of which is dispersed in the other in the form of very small droplets or particles.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

(photography) The coating of photosensitive silver halide grains in a thin gelatine layer on a photographic film.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

(meteorology) An intimate mixture of two substances, one of which, called the dispersed phase (or colloid), is uniformly distributed in a finely divided state throughout the second substance, called the dispersion medium (or dispersing medium).

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

Any liquid preparation of a color and consistency resembling milk; as: (a) In pharmacy, an extract of seeds, or a mixture of oil and water united by a mucilaginous substance. (b) In photography, a liquid preparation of collodion holding salt of silver, used in the photographic process.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

(geology) A particle less than 1 micron in diameter, following the Wentworth scale

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

(chemistry) a colloid in which both phases are liquids;

An oil-in-water emulsion

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

Resembling glue or jelly; characterized by a jellylike appearance; gelatinous; as, colloid tumors.

Oct 19, 2023

Emulsion

A light-sensitive coating on paper or film; consists of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in a gelatin

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

A substance (as albumin, gum, gelatin, etc.) which is of a gelatinous rather than a crystalline nature, and which diffuses itself through animal membranes or vegetable parchment more slowly than crystalloids do; - opposed to crystalloid.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

A gelatinous substance found in colloid degeneration and colloid cancer.

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

A mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension

Oct 19, 2023

Colloid

A mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another.

Milk is a colloid of fat droplets in water.

Nov 28, 2023

Colloid

Exhibits the Tyndall effect where light scatters in the colloid.

The colloid's scattering of light made the beam visible.

Nov 28, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can colloids scatter light?

Yes, they exhibit the Tyndall effect.

Nov 28, 2023

Are all emulsions colloids?

Yes, all emulsions are a type of colloid.

Nov 28, 2023

Do emulsions always need emulsifiers?

Typically, to maintain stability.

Nov 28, 2023

Are colloids always heterogeneous?

Yes, they are heterogeneous mixtures.

Nov 28, 2023

Can oil and water form an emulsion?

Yes, with an appropriate emulsifier.

Nov 28, 2023

Can colloids be gases?

Yes, in the form of aerosols.

Nov 28, 2023

What are common emulsifiers?

Egg yolk, lecithin, and soap.

Nov 28, 2023

What is an emulsion?

A liquid-liquid colloid requiring an emulsifier.

Nov 28, 2023

What makes an emulsion stable?

Emulsifiers that prevent separation.

Nov 28, 2023

Is milk an emulsion?

Yes, milk is an oil-in-water emulsion.

Nov 28, 2023

What defines a colloid?

Tiny particles evenly dispersed in another substance.

Nov 28, 2023

Are emulsions used in cosmetics?

Yes, in creams and lotions.

Nov 28, 2023

Can colloids be found in nature?

Yes, like fog or clouds.

Nov 28, 2023

Are jellies colloids?

Yes, they are solid-liquid colloids.

Nov 28, 2023

What is a foam?

A colloid of gas in a liquid or solid.

Nov 28, 2023

How are emulsions in food stabilized?

With natural or synthetic emulsifiers.

Nov 28, 2023

Can colloids be separated easily?

Not easily, due to the small size of particles.

Nov 28, 2023

What's the difference in appearance between colloid and emulsion?

Emulsions are often creamy or cloudy, while colloids vary widely.

Nov 28, 2023

Is butter an emulsion?

Yes, it’s a water-in-oil emulsion.

Nov 28, 2023

Do all colloids look the same?

No, they vary in appearance based on composition.

Nov 28, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Perfume vs. Musk

Colloid vs. Emulsion

Financial vs. Fiscal

Colloid vs. Emulsion

About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Trending Comparisons

LTE vs. CDMA

February 4, 2024

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G wireless communication standard with high-speed data transfer, while CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is an older 2G/3G technology for mobile networks.

Celsius vs. Kelvin

Celsius vs. Kelvin

January 1, 2024

Celsius is a temperature scale with 0°C as water's freezing point and 100°C its boiling point, while Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).

Moms vs. Mom's

Moms vs. Mom’s

February 22, 2024

"Moms" is the plural form of "mom," referring to multiple mothers, while "Mom's" is the possessive form of "mom," indicating something belongs to or is related to a mother.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 ’07

April 16, 2024

Nike Air Force 1 LE often represents limited edition releases with unique designs, while Nike Air Force 1 '07 is a modern version of the classic, maintaining the iconic style with updated materials.

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

January 5, 2024

Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.

Smart TV vs. Android TV

Smart TV vs. Android TV

December 25, 2023

A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.

Goth vs. Alt

February 5, 2024

Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Payment vs. Remittance

Payment vs. Remittance

April 9, 2024

Payment is a transfer of money for goods or services, while remittance involves sending money to a distant location, often overseas.

Benzyl Chloride vs. Benzoyl Chloride

Benzyl Chloride vs. Benzoyl Chloride

January 3, 2024

Benzyl Chloride is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon used in organic synthesis, while Benzoyl Chloride is an acyl chloride used as a reagent in chemistry.

Slavic Facial Features vs. Germanic Facial Features

Slavic Facial Features vs. Germanic Facial Features

January 31, 2024

Slavic facial features often include high cheekbones and rounder faces, while Germanic facial features typically have sharper angles and stronger jawlines.

Login vs. Logon

Login vs. Logon

December 25, 2023

"Login" and "Logon" are often used interchangeably to describe the process of gaining access to a computer system, but "login" can also refer to the credentials used for access.

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

February 28, 2024

Tap root is a single, thick primary root growing vertically downward, while fibrous root is a network of many thin roots spreading out near the surface.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

Assemble vs. Build

Assemble vs. Build

December 25, 2023

Assemble refers to the act of gathering and organizing pre-existing components, while build involves the creation of something new by combining various materials or elements.

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

January 21, 2024

Manual Filing involves physically submitting documents, often in paper form. E-Filing is the process of submitting documents electronically, often through dedicated platforms or email.

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

December 25, 2023

White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

December 25, 2023

A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

December 25, 2023

Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

January 10, 2024

Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

February 4, 2024

PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal