I.

Introduction
Knowledge on the different properties of solution is one of the most basic foundations
of various innovations that have made daily living easier and has paved way for the discovery of
diverse scientific processes in the world of science. These properties are more commonly
known as the colligative properties.
Colligative properties of a solution are properties that depend only on the number, and
not on the identity of the solute particles (Zumdahl and Zumdahl, 2007). These properties
include the Vapor pressure lowering (________), freezing point depression (________), boiling
point elevation (_________) and osmotic pressure (_______). (Add more details)
To demonstrate these properties an experiment, involving naphthalene and an
unknown solute, was performed. By heating naphthalene until it melts and afterwards
submerging it in a water bath, the freezing point of the pure solvent was determined. Adding a
solute to this solvent demonstrated the property, freezing point depression. To determine the
effect of various solute concentration on the boiling point elevation property on the other
hand, distilled water and another unknown solute was utilized. The boiling point of the pure
solvent and the solution was carefully observed. The following are the root equations utilized in
the experiment.
The objective of this experiment is to effectively demonstrate the colligative properties
of solutions, particularly freezing point depression and boiling point elevation. It also aims to
determine and form generalizations on the effect of varying solute concentration on these said
properties. It also targets to improve proper handling of lab equipment and the correct
manipulation of the formula used to determine the factors that affect freezing point depression
and boiling point elevation.
II. Materials
A. Reagents
Naphthalene (2.0g)
Unknown solute A (0.20g)
Unknown solute B (1.5g)
B. Apparatus
Test tube
Iron stand
Iron clamp
Wire gauze
Bunsen Burner
250-mL Beaker
Top loading balance
Thermometer
III. Procedures
The laboratory equipment to be utilized in the experiment was first prepared. Using a
paper box and a top loading balance, 2.0g of naphthalene (the solvent) was obtained and
transferred in a test tube. A thermometer was then immediately fixed inside the test tube using
tissue paper. This test tube was then attached to an iron stand using an iron clamp. The bottom
of the test tube was carefully submerged in a water bath and heated until the sample melted
and the temperature reached 90 degrees Celsius. The flame was then put off and the substance
inside was allowed to cool. Its temperature was read and recorded every 15 seconds until it
reached a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. The cooling curve of this experiment was then
plotted using the acquired data.
Another 2.0g of naphthalene was again prepared and thoroughly mixed with 0.20g of
unknown solute A. A thermometer was again fixed inside the test tube. This said test tube was
then submerged and heated in a water bath until it reached a temperature of 90 degrees
Celsius. The flame was then put off and the solution was allowed to cool. The temperature of
this solution was also read and recorded every 15 seconds until it reached a temperature of 70
degrees Celsius. The cooling curve of this solution was plotted in the same graph as the cooling
curve of the pure solvent. These were carefully compared.
To demonstrate the boiling point elevation of water, 100 mL of distilled water was heated in
a 250 mL beaker. Its boiling point was determined. 1.5g of unknown solute B was then weighed
and dissolved in another beaker containing 100 mL distilled water. This solution was again
heated to its boiling point. The data from this experiment was carefully recorded.
V. Discussion
By melting and subsequently cooling naphthalene and an unknown solute, the
colligative property of freezing point depression was demonstrated. Freezing point depression
is defined as the freezing point of the pure solvent minus the freezing point of the solution
(Chang, 2010). Freezing point depression occurs when the freezing point of a certain solution is
lower than the freezing point of the pure solvent. This phenomenon is said to occur due to the
inability of solvent molecules to immediately orient themselves in the presence of solute
molecules. With this in mind, the freezing point of the solution (naphthalene and unknown
solute A) must then be lower than that of the freezing point of the pure solvent (naphthalene).
By recording the temperature change (table 2.1) of the pure solvent and plotting it in a
cooling curve, the freezing point of the solvent was found to be 78 degrees Celsius. Using the
same process, the freezing point of the solution was also obtained and was found to be 77.5
degrees Celsius (table 2.2). Using the formula _t1-t2_, the freezing point depression was
calculated and was determined to be equal to 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Since _FPD_ is proportional to molality, the formula (show formula. Where kf = 1.86)
can be used to calculate for the values required for the experiment. By further expanding this
formula, the solutions molality, the number of moles and the molar mass of the solute can be
determined (show calculations).
Due to possible errors during the conduct of the experiment (incorrect weighing of the
solvent or solute, errors in temperature reading or the additional excess weight of the
naphthalene due to its hygroscopic property), the calculated freezing point depression was too
small and therefore resulted to a computed value for the molar mass. The result however
successfully shows that the freezing point of the solution was lower than the freezing point of
the pure solvent (as seen in figure 2.1).
Distilled water and a certain amount of solute were utilized for the demonstration of the
boiling point elevation. Boiling point elevation is defined as the boiling point of the solution (Tb)
minus the boiling point of the pure solvent. Boiling point elevation occurs when solute particle
prevent the escape of high energy solvent particles into the liquid phase. This results to a
greater boiling point for solutions than for pure solvents.
Using the data gathered in table 2.3, the boiling point elevation of the solution can be
calculated through this formula: (show formula) the boiling point of the distilled water is lower
than the boiling point of the solution. Taking the results of the other groups into consideration,
a significant increase in the boiling point can be observed as the amount of solute increases.
This can be explained by the increase in the amount of solute particles preventing the escape of
the solvent particles into liquid phase.
During the conduct of the experiment, various mechanical errors may have contributed
to errors in the results of the experiment. The set-up can therefore be better improved with
more accurate measurements and methods. Additional research and experiments may be
performed to prove the validity of the results.
VI. Conclusion
This experiment aimed to demonstrate the colligative properties of solutions,
particularly freezing point depression and boiling point elevation. Colligative property is a
property of a solvent that depends on the total concentration of solute particles present
(Brown, et al., 2012).
Freezing point depression was demonstrated in the first part of the experiment
(involving naphthalene and an unknown solute). A decrease in the freezing point can be
observed between the pure solvent and the solution. From the data gathered, an equation was
derived to obtain the molar mass of the unknown solute.
The boiling point elevation on the other hand was demonstrated using distilled water
and another unknown solute (of varying amounts per group). A significant increase in the
boiling point can be observed as the amount of solute increases. This is due to the increase in
the amount of solute particles preventing the escape of the solvent particles into liquid phase.