In a suspension, what happens to the solid particles over time?

• A. They dissolve completely
• B. They stay suspended indefinitely
• C. They form a homogeneous solution
• D. They settle out

Answer: (D)

In a suspension, the solid particles are large enough that they don’t dissolve in the liquid. Gravity pulls these particles downward, so over time they settle to the bottom and form a sediment. This is why the correct outcome is that the solids settle out. You can often re‑disperse them by stirring or shaking, but left undisturbed they will separate as a settled layer. This behavior distinguishes suspensions from solutions, where the solid has dissolved and is uniformly mixed.