What is the term for the process by which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid pesticide formulation?

The term that describes the process by which solid particles are dispersed in a liquid pesticide formulation is known as suspension. In a suspension, solid particles do not dissolve but are instead held throughout the liquid medium. This ensures that the active ingredients remain available to target pests when the pesticide is applied.

Suspensions must be agitated or shaken before use to ensure even distribution of the particles, as they can settle over time due to gravity. This characteristic distinguishes suspensions from other formulations, such as solutions, where the solute is completely dissolved, and emulsions, which involve the mixing of oil and water phases, creating a stable mixture of two immiscible liquids. Dilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of a substance in a solution and does not specifically pertain to solid particles dispersed in a liquid.