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What does sedimentation ratios indicate in terms of stability of suspensions?

I have 2 suspensions, with a volume of 50ml
for suspension A
After 1 hour, the sedimentation volume was 20 ml and after 24 hrs, its was 40ml, giving a sedimentation ratio of 0.40 after 1 hr and 0.80 after 24 hrs.
for suspension B
After 1 hr, the sedimentation volume was 0 ml and after 24 hrs, it was 45ml, giving a sedimentation ratio of 0 after 1 hour and 0.90 after 24 hrs.

Which suspension is more stable and why?
Original post by windo
I have 2 suspensions, with a volume of 50ml
for suspension A
After 1 hour, the sedimentation volume was 20 ml and after 24 hrs, its was 40ml, giving a sedimentation ratio of 0.40 after 1 hr and 0.80 after 24 hrs.
for suspension B
After 1 hr, the sedimentation volume was 0 ml and after 24 hrs, it was 45ml, giving a sedimentation ratio of 0 after 1 hour and 0.90 after 24 hrs.

Which suspension is more stable and why?


one will be more kinetically stable (takes longer to separate), the other more thermodynamically stable (equilibrium position) as the particles will be smaller so separation less favourable.

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