Question

Explain the term emulsion and types of emulsions.

Answer 1

1. A colloidal system in which one liquid is dispersed in another immiscible liquid is called an emulsion.
2. There are liquid-liquid colloidal systems in which both liquids are either completely or partially immiscible.
3. There are two types of emulsions:

• Emulsion of oil in water (o/w type):
  An emulsion in which a dispersed phase is oil and the dispersion medium is water is called emulsion of oil in water.
  Example:
  1. Milk consists of particles of fat dispersed in water.
  2. Other examples include vanishing cream, paint, etc.
• Emulsion of water in oil (w/o type):
  An emulsion in which the dispersed phase is water and dispersion medium is the oil is called emulsion of water in oil.
  Example:
  1. Cod liver oil consists of particles of water dispersed in oil.
  2. Some other examples of this type include butter, cream, etc.