Scattering of Light in a Colloidal Solution

When a beam of light passes through a colloidal solution, it undergoes scattering. This means that the light rays are deflected in various directions as they interact with the particles in the solution. The scattered light may appear hazy or have a milky appearance, depending on the concentration and nature of the colloidal particles.

Explanation:

- Colloidal Solution: A colloidal solution consists of two phases - dispersed phase and dispersion medium. The dispersed phase consists of tiny particles or droplets that are uniformly distributed in the dispersion medium. These particles in the colloidal solution are larger than the molecules in a true solution but smaller than particles in a suspension.

- Interaction with Light: When a beam of light passes through a colloidal solution, it encounters the colloidal particles dispersed in the medium. The interaction between light and these particles leads to scattering.

- Scattering Process: The scattering of light in a colloidal solution can be explained by the Tyndall effect. As the light waves encounter the colloidal particles, they interact with them and get scattered in different directions. This scattering occurs due to the difference in refractive indices between the particles and the dispersion medium.

- Size of Particles: The scattering of light is more pronounced in colloidal solutions compared to true solutions because the particles in colloids are larger and can effectively scatter the light rays. The extent of scattering depends on the size, shape, and concentration of the colloidal particles.

- Scattered Light: The scattered light can be observed as a beam of light passing through a colloidal solution appears hazy or milky. The intensity of the scattered light depends on the concentration of the colloidal particles. Higher concentrations lead to more pronounced scattering and a stronger milky appearance.

- Other Options: The other options mentioned in the question - retracted, absorbed, and reflected - are not applicable to the scattering of light in a colloidal solution. Retraction refers to the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index. Absorption refers to the transfer of light energy to the particles, causing them to heat up. Reflection refers to the bouncing back of light rays from a surface.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - Scattered.