5.12 What is the difference between multimolecular and macromolecular colloids? Give one example of each. How are associated colloids different from these two types of colloids?

Step 1:

The difference between multimolecular and macromolecular colloids

Multimolecular colloids

Macromolecular colloids

Multimolecular colloids are particles formed by the aggregation of smaller molecules when they are dissolved in a solvent. 

Macromolecules in suitable solvents form solutions in which the size of the macromolecules may be in the colloidal range.

Formed from particles having a diameter less than 1 nm

Formed particles having diameters in the colloidal range

Have a lyophobic in nature

Have a lyophilic in nature.

Formed from particles having low molecular weights.

Formed from particles having high molecular weights.

The aggregates are held together by weak Van der Waal forces.

There are strong attraction forces between particles and liquid.

Example: gold sol and sulphur sol.

For example: starch, nylon, cellulose, etc.


Step 2:

Those substances, which behaves like normal strong electrolyte at low concentration, but exhibits colloidal behaviour at high concentration due to the formation of aggregates. And these are known as associated colloids also called micelle.