Definition of Coarse Dispersion:
- A coarse dispersion is a type of dispersed system where the dispersed phase (particles) is relatively large in size (usually greater than 1 µm) and is distributed throughout a continuous phase (usually a liquid).
- Examples: Suspensions and emulsions.
- Contrast with:
- Colloidal dispersions (1 nm – 1 µm)
- True solutions (molecular size)
- In coarse dispersions:
- The particles are visible under a microscope
- They tend to settle over time due to gravity
- Suspensions are a prime example and are widely used in pharmaceutics
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Comparison with Other Dispersions:
| Type | Particle Size | Example |
| Solution | <1 nm | Salt in water |
| Colloid | 1–1000 nm | Milk, fog |
| Coarse Dispersions | >1000 nm (>1 µm) | Sand in water, muddy water |