Which term describes a cloudy mixture with visible suspended particles?

• A. Suspension
• B. Heterogeneous mixture
• C. Mechanical mixtures
• D. Pure substance

Answer: (A)

A suspension is a mixture where solid particles are dispersed in a fluid but not dissolved. Because the particles are large enough to be seen, the mixture looks cloudy as light is scattered by them. Over time, the particles will settle out if left undisturbed, which is a typical behavior of suspensions. This makes muddy water or pepper in water classic examples.

While a heterogeneous mixture describes any non-uniform blend, it’s a broader term and doesn’t name the specific case of visible, suspended particles. A mechanical mixture also refers to a non-uniform blend with visible components, but it doesn’t emphasize the cloudy appearance from suspended particles. A pure substance would be uniform throughout and not contain visible, undissolved particles.