(electrokinetic potential). The potential across the interface of all solids and liquids. Specifically, the potential across the diffuse layer of ions surrounding a charged colloidal particle, which is largely responsible for colloidal stability. Discharge of the zeta potential, accompanied by precipitation of the colloid, occurs by addition of polyvalent ions of sign opposite to that of the colloidal particles. Zeta potentials can be calculated from electrophoretic mobilities, i.e., the rates at which colloidal particles travel between charged electrodes placed in the solution.See Electric Double Layer.