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Chemistry

The Role of Electrolytes in Stabilizing Colloidal Dispersions

Quick fact

Adding a small amount of electrolyte to a stable colloid can actually cause it to clump and settle, a process called coagulation. This is why sea water (rich in salts) quickly causes river clay to settle at deltas.

Why this is interesting

Have you ever added salt to a dressing and watched it become cloudy or separate? The same electrolyte that flavors your food can also make or break the stability of a colloid.