Colligative Properties of Solutions

Key Concepts Colligative properties of solutions depend on the concentration of solute particles but NOT on their identity. Colligative properties depend on the lowering of the escaping tendency of solvent particles by the addition of solute particles. Colligative properties include: a. b. c. d. vapor pressure lowering boiling-point elevation freezing-point depression osmotic pressure

Vapor Pressure Lowering The escaping tendency of a solvent is measured by its vapor pressure. Vapor pressure measures the concentration of solvent molecules in the gas phase. Adding a nonvolatile solute lowers the vapor pressure of the solvent since a smaller proportion of the molecules at the surface of the solution are solvent molecules, fewer solvent molecules can escape from the solution compared to the pure solvent. The quantitative relationship between vapor pressure lowering and concentration in an ideal solution is stated in Raoult's Law.

Boiling-Point Elevation A liquid boils at the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure. The presence of a nonvolatile solute lowers the vapor pressure of a solution so it is necessary to heat the solution to a higher temperature in order for it to boil. The amount by which the boiling point is raised is known as the boiling point elevation. The boiling-point elevation is proportional to the concentration of solute particles expressed as moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

Freezing-Point Depression The presence of a nonvolatile solute lowers the freezing point of a solvent. In order to freeze the solvent, it must be cooled to a lower temperature in order to compensate for its lower escaping tendency. The amount by which the freezing point is lowered is known as the freezing point depression.

The freezing-point depression is proportional to the concentration of solute particles expressed as moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

Osmotic Pressure When two liquids, such as a solvent and a solution, are separated by a semipermeable membrane that allows only solvent molecules to pass through, then there is a net transfer of solvent molecules from the solvent to the solution. This process is called osmosis. Osmosis can be stopped by applying pressure to compensate for the difference in escaping tendencies. The pressure required to stop osmosis is called osmotic pressure. In dilute solutions, osmotic pressure is directly proportional to the molarity of the solution and its temperature in Kelvin.