What happens when an ion opposite in charge to a colloidal particle enters a colloidal system?

When an ion with an opposite charge enters a colloidal system, it has the potential to interact with the colloidal particles due to electrostatic attraction. This process can lead to several outcomes depending on the characteristics of the colloidal system and the nature of the ion.

In this context, the presence of the opposite-charged ion can neutralize the charge on the colloidal particles. This charge neutralization reduces the electrical repulsion that keeps the colloidal particles separated. As a result, the stability of the colloidal dispersion is compromised, potentially leading to coagulation or flocculation, which means that particles may aggregate and form larger clusters.

Consequently, you would observe that the introduction of an oppositely charged ion not only affects the stability of the colloid but may also lead to changes in system characteristics, like increased particle size due to aggregation. Overall, while the idea that the ion forces its way into the colloidal particle captures the essence of the interaction, it is more accurate to emphasize the destabilization and the subsequent changes that can occur in the colloidal system due to the disruption of repulsive forces.