Problem 8 What are colligative properties?... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 2: Problem 8

What are colligative properties?

Short Answer

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Answer: Colligative properties are properties of a solution that depend only on the number of solute particles, not on the identity of the solute particles. The four main types are: 1. Vapor pressure lowering: The decrease in vapor pressure of a solution when a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent. 2. Boiling point elevation: The increase in boiling point of a solution compared to the boiling point of the pure solvent due to the presence of solute particles. 3. Freezing point depression: The decrease in freezing point of a solution compared to the freezing point of the pure solvent as solute particles disrupt the formation of a solid structure. 4. Osmotic pressure: The pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent through a semi-permeable membrane, which depends on the number of solute particles in the solution.

Step by step solution

1. Definition of Colligative Properties

Colligative properties are properties of a solution that depend only on the number of solute particles, not on the identity of the solute particles. These properties are observed when we have a mixture of a solute (e.g., salt, sugar) and a solvent (e.g., water).

2. Vapor Pressure Lowering

The vapor pressure of a solution is decreased when a non-volatile solute (like salt or sugar) is added to the solvent (like water). This is because the solute particles get in the way of the solvent particles' ability to escape into the vapor phase, thus decreasing the vapor pressure.

3. Boiling Point Elevation

Boiling point elevation is the increase in the boiling point of a solution compared to the boiling point of the pure solvent. This occurs because the presence of solute particles in the solution decreases the vapor pressure, and thus more energy (higher temperature) is required to allow the solvent particles to escape into the vapor phase.

4. Freezing Point Depression

Freezing point depression refers to the decrease in the freezing point of a solution compared to the freezing point of the pure solvent. This is because solute particles disrupt the ability of solvent particles to form a solid structure (crystals) upon freezing. Therefore, a lower temperature is required for the solution to freeze.

5. Osmotic Pressure

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of solvent through a semi-permeable membrane, which allows the passage of solvent but not solute particles. Osmotic pressure depends on the number of solute particles in the solution, with higher concentrations of solute resulting in a higher osmotic pressure.

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What are colligative properties?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Definition of Colligative Properties

2. Vapor Pressure Lowering

3. Boiling Point Elevation

4. Freezing Point Depression

5. Osmotic Pressure

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