Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

Which of the following is true of a suspension?

1. It cannot be filtered and looks clear

2. It appears opaque and can be filtered

3. It has a milky appearance and retains its unique properties

4. It contains only active ingredients without inert components

The correct answer is: It appears opaque and can be filtered

A suspension consists of solid particles dispersed throughout a liquid, making it appear opaque or cloudy rather than clear. The nature of suspensions is such that the solid particles can settle over time, which is why they require shaking or stirring before use to ensure uniform distribution. Regarding filtering, suspensions can be filtered as the solid particles can be separated from the liquid. This characteristic allows for the removal of the solid components, which is essential in processes where the desired product is the liquid phase. In contrast, a solution would typically appear clear and cannot be effectively filtered to separate the dissolved components from the solvent. Furthermore, suspensions do not consist solely of active ingredients; they often include inert components to enhance the product's stability and efficacy. Therefore, the choice accurately captures the essential characteristics of a suspension.