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Chapter 13: Problem 70

Define the van't Hoff factor. What information does this quantity provide?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The van't Hoff factor, 'i', indicates the number of particles a solute forms in a solution. It provides crucial information for calculating colligative properties of solutions, which depend on the number of solute particles.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of van't Hoff Factor

The van't Hoff factor (represented by 'i') is a measure of the number of particles into which a solute dissociates in solution. It is named after the Dutch physical chemist J. H. van't Hoff. For non-electrolytes that don't ionize in solution, the van't Hoff factor is approximately 1. However, for ionic compounds that dissociate into ions in solution, the van't Hoff factor is usually greater than 1.
02

Information provided by the van't Hoff factor

The van't Hoff factor provides information on the number of particles a solute forms in solution. It is used in calculations relating to colligative properties of solutions. Colligative properties are those that depend on the number of solute particles in solution, irrespective of their nature. These properties include boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, osmotic pressure, and vapor pressure lowering. When a solute dissociates into more particles, it will affect these properties to a greater extent. Therefore, knowledge about the van't Hoff factor of a substance is essential when studying the colligative properties of its solutions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How do the solubilities of most ionic compounds in water change with temperature?

The vapor pressure of ethanol \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}\right)\) at \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is \(44 \mathrm{mmHg},\) and the vapor pressure of methanol \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\right)\) at the same temperature is \(94 \mathrm{mmHg}\). A mixture of \(30.0 \mathrm{~g}\) of methanol and \(45.0 \mathrm{~g}\) of ethanol is prepared (and may be assumed to behave as an ideal solution). (a) Calculate the vapor pressure of methanol and ethanol above this solution at \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). (b) Calculate the mole fraction of methanol and ethanol in the vapor above this solution at \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Discuss the factors that influence the solubility of a gas in a liquid. Explain why the solubility of a gas in a liquid usually decreases with increasing temperature.

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