Suspensions are a type of mixture where small particles are dispersed throughout a liquid or gas but do not dissolve. For example, when you mix sand with water, the sand particles remain visible and settle at the bottom over time. This happens because the particles are too large to stay suspended indefinitely, making suspensions different from solutions, where substances dissolve completely. In everyday life, suspensions can be found in products like salad dressings or medications. When you shake a bottle of salad dressing, the oil and vinegar mix temporarily, creating a suspension. However, if left to sit, the ingredients will separate again, demonstrating the unique properties of suspensions.