Which of the following aqueous solutions should have the least boiling...
Boiling Point of Aqueous Solutions
To understand why a 1.0 M KOH solution has the least boiling point among the given options, we need to consider the properties of the solute and its effect on boiling point elevation.
Boiling Point Elevation
Boiling point elevation is a colligative property that depends on the number of solute particles present in a solution. When a non-volatile solute is dissolved in a solvent, the boiling point of the resulting solution increases compared to the pure solvent.
Effect of Electrolytes on Boiling Point Elevation
Electrolytes, which dissociate into ions in solution, have a greater effect on boiling point elevation compared to non-electrolytes. This is because electrolytes produce more solute particles per formula unit when they dissociate.
Comparison of Solutions
Let's compare the given solutions to determine which one will have the least boiling point:
1.0 M KOH:- KOH is an electrolyte that dissociates into K⁺ and OH⁻ ions in solution.
- The dissociation equation is: KOH → K⁺ + OH⁻.
- For every mole of KOH, it produces one mole of K⁺ and one mole of OH⁻ ions.
- Therefore, the solution contains three particles for every mole of KOH: one KOH molecule, one K⁺ ion, and one OH⁻ ion.
1.0 M (NH4)2SO4:- (NH
4)
2SO
4 is an electrolyte that dissociates into NH
4+ and SO
42- ions in solution.
- The dissociation equation is: (NH
4)
2SO
4 → 2NH
4+ + SO
42-.
- For every mole of (NH
4)
2SO
4, it produces two moles of NH
4+ ions and one mole of SO
42- ions.
- Therefore, the solution contains three particles for every mole of (NH
4)
2SO
4: one (NH
4)
2SO
4 molecule, two NH
4+ ions, and one SO
42- ion.
1.0 M K2CO3:- K
2CO
3 is an electrolyte that dissociates into 2K⁺ and CO