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. Updated December 07, 2017 Sol DefinitionA 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 ExamplesExamples of sols include protoplasm, gel, starch in water, blood, paint, and pigmented ink. citecite this article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Dec. 7, 2017, thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2017, December 7). Sol Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 (accessed April 21, 2018). copy citation Continue Reading