What is Tyndall Effect?

The Tyndall Effect is the scattering of light by tiny particles in a colloid or fine suspension, making the path of light visible.

Explanation of Tyndall Effect

When a beam of light passes through a mixture like fog, smoke, or milk, the light is scattered by the particles, causing the light path to appear as a visible beam.

Difference from Other Phenomena

The Tyndall Effect is seen in colloids but not in true solutions where particles are too small to scatter light.

Examples

• Sunlight passing through forest mist.
• Light from a flashlight through dusty air.

Applications of Tyndall Effect

Used in laboratories to identify colloids and in industries to measure particle sizes.