Select all of the characteristics that describe colloids:
A) Colloids are only composed of inorganic material.
B) Soil high in colloids will likely have a higher water-holding capacity than a similar soil with fewer colloids.
C) A soil with abundant colloids is more likely to have a high cation exchange capacity compared to a soil with few colloids.
D) Colloids are chemically inactive.
E) Colloids can exist in inorganic and organic form.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) is incorrect because colloids can be composed of inorganic or organic material. 
B) is correct because colloids are able to hold onto water due to their large surface area and can increase a soil's capacity to hold water. 
C) is correct because colloids are able to hold onto cations, which increases a soil's ability to exchange nutrients with plant roots. 
D) is incorrect because colloids can be chemically active and participate in chemical reactions. 
E) is correct because colloids can exist in both inorganic and organic forms.

Select All of the Characteristics That Describe Colloids