Which of the following statements is correct?a)A saturated solution wi...
Solubility changes with temperature. A plant cell shrinks in hypertonic solution. Relative lowering of vapour pressure is a colligative property.
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Which of the following statements is correct?a)A saturated solution wi...
Depression in Freezing Point as a Colligative Property
Colligative properties are the properties of solutions that depend on the concentration of dissolved particles and not on the identity of the particles. Depression in freezing point is one of the colligative properties of solutions. It is defined as the difference between the freezing point of the pure solvent and the freezing point of the solution. The depression in freezing point is directly proportional to the molality of the solution.
Explanation
When a solute is added to a solvent, it lowers the freezing point of the solvent. This happens because the solute particles interfere with the formation of the crystal lattice of the solvent during freezing. The more solute particles there are in the solution, the greater the interference and the lower the freezing point of the solution.
The depression in freezing point, ΔTf, is related to the molality of the solution, m, by the equation ΔTf = Kf × m, where Kf is the freezing point depression constant of the solvent. The freezing point depression constant is a constant that depends on the identity of the solvent.
Applications
The depression in freezing point is a useful property in many applications. For example, it is used to determine the molecular weight of a solute. By measuring the depression in freezing point of a solution and knowing the freezing point depression constant of the solvent, one can calculate the molality of the solution. Then, using the formula, molality = moles of solute / mass of solvent (in kg), one can calculate the molecular weight of the solute.
The depression in freezing point is also used in antifreeze solutions. Antifreeze solutions are used in automobile engines to prevent the engine coolant from freezing in cold temperatures. By adding a solute to the coolant, the freezing point of the solution is lowered, allowing the engine to operate in cold temperatures without the coolant freezing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, depression in freezing point is a colligative property of solutions that is directly proportional to the molality of the solution. It has many applications in various fields and is a useful tool in determining the molecular weight of a solute and in creating antifreeze solutions.
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