Science, Tech, Math › Science Sol Definition in Chemistry What Is a Sol? Share Flipboard Email Print A gel is a type of sol, which is in turn an example of a colloid. Image Source, Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated June 04, 2019 Sol Definition A sol is a type of colloid in which solid particles are suspended in a liquid. The particles in a sol are very small. The colloidal solution displays the Tyndall effect and is stable. Sols may be prepared via condensation or dispersion. Adding a dispersing agent may increase the stability of a sol. One important use of sols is in the preparation of sol-gels. Sol Examples Examples of sols include protoplasm, gel, starch in water, blood, paint, and pigmented ink. Sol Properties Sols display the following properties: Particle size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometersDisplay the Tyndall effectAre heterogeneous mixturesDo not settle or separate over time Source Brown, Theodore (2002). Chemistry : The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130669970.