The zeta potential is a key factor in determining the stability of colloidal systems in electrokinetic phenomena. It is a measure of the electrostatic potential at the slipping plane shear plane of a charged particle in a colloidal dispersion. The zeta potential plays a crucial role in the stability of colloidal systems by influencing the interactions between the particles in the dispersion.In electrokinetic phenomena, the zeta potential affects the stability of colloidal systems in the following ways:1. Electrostatic repulsion: When the zeta potential of the particles in a colloidal system is high either positive or negative , it indicates that the particles have a strong electrostatic charge. This results in a strong repulsive force between the particles, preventing them from coming close to each other and aggregating. This repulsion helps maintain the stability of the colloidal system.2. Particle aggregation and flocculation: When the zeta potential of the particles in a colloidal system is low or close to zero, the electrostatic repulsion between the particles is weak. This allows the particles to come closer to each other, increasing the chances of aggregation and flocculation. This can lead to the destabilization of the colloidal system.3. Steric stabilization: In some cases, the zeta potential can also contribute to steric stabilization. This occurs when the particles in the colloidal system are coated with a layer of adsorbed molecules, such as polymers or surfactants. The adsorbed layer can create a steric barrier that prevents the particles from coming into direct contact with each other, thus enhancing the stability of the colloidal system.4. Influence on electrophoretic mobility: The zeta potential also affects the electrophoretic mobility of the particles in a colloidal system. A higher zeta potential leads to a higher electrophoretic mobility, which can influence the rate of particle movement and separation in electrokinetic processes such as electrophoresis and electroosmosis.In summary, the zeta potential plays a crucial role in determining the stability of colloidal systems in electrokinetic phenomena. A high zeta potential leads to strong electrostatic repulsion between particles, preventing aggregation and maintaining the stability of the system. On the other hand, a low zeta potential can result in particle aggregation and destabilization of the colloidal system.