What is the Tyndall effect?
The Tyndall effect occurs when the particles inside the colloid or suspension disperse the light it passes. The scattering intensity is a direct result of the size of colloidal particles; Because they are roughly the size of one wavelength of light, the tyndall effect is much more intense than a similar effect known to Rayleigh Scatting. The most common practical application of the effect is the detection of colloids and ultramicroscopic particles. The Tyndall effect can also be used to detect light that would otherwise be invisible to the mere eye. When the beam passes through the glass, the beam itself is clearly and visibly defined in the colloid. This is the result of longer wavelengths passing through the fabric, while shorter wavelengths of light are scattered, reflecting shorter light back to the view. In some cases, the scattering may change the perceived color of the colloid. For example, flour mixed with water will appear blue when it is prepared as a colloid; The same effect is achieved in the iris of individuals with blue eyes.
Tyndall effect can be reliably used to detect colloids and prolong a small particle inside colloids. Conventional microscopes have difficulty capturing images of particles less than 0.1 micron, which is a challenge to determine whether a specific substance is a colloid or a real solution. If the beam of light is scattered when passing through a pure cloth, observers can confirm the presence of particles and determine that the substance is a colloid. This principle has led to the development of ultramicroscopes that allow scientists to observe particles that are invisible even with the help of a traditional microscope. The same CAN test use to gather the idea of the size of the particle in the colloid and its density.
The effect can also be used to detect invisible light. Since the tyndall effect distracts the light of shorter wavelengths, infrared light can be visible by its passage by colloid. This can be achieved by blowing smoke or other gaseous colloid into a suspicious area.The particles distract shorter, visible red wavelengths, allowing observers to see a beam of red light. The beam will be most visible when viewed from an angle perpendicular to the path of light.