If all particles in a suspension have a large magnitude zeta potential (either strongly negative or strongly positive), what is the likely behavior among particles?

If all particles in a suspension have a large magnitude zeta potential (either strongly negative or strongly positive), what is the likely behavior among particles?

• A. They repel each other
• B. They attract each other
• C. They settle rapidly
• D. They dissolve

Answer: (A)

High magnitude zeta potential means particles carry strong, like charges on their surfaces, creating strong electrostatic repulsion as they approach one another. This repulsion prevents aggregation and sticking together, so the suspension remains dispersed and stable over time. That’s why the correct behavior is that the particles repel each other. They would not attract each other, rapid settling is unlikely when repulsion keeps particles apart, and dissolution isn’t dictated by zeta potential in a suspension—solubility governs that.

High magnitude zeta potential means particles carry strong, like charges on their surfaces, creating strong electrostatic repulsion as they approach one another. This repulsion prevents aggregation and sticking together, so the suspension remains dispersed and stable over time. That’s why the correct behavior is that the particles repel each other. They would not attract each other, rapid settling is unlikely when repulsion keeps particles apart, and dissolution isn’t dictated by zeta potential in a suspension—solubility governs that.