(+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No.

2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

Topic: Colligative Properties

1. Q: Define colligative properties. Write the name of colligative properties.
A: The properties of the solutions which depend only on the number of solute particles but not on
the nature of the solute are called Colligative properties. The four important Colligative properties are:
1. Relative lowering in vapour pressure.
2. Elevation in boiling point.
3. Depression in freezing point.
4. Osmotic pressure.
2. Q: Why colligative properties are called democrative properties?
A: This is due to the fact that in democracy it is only the number of persons which counts. Similarly in
the case of colligative properties, it is only the number of particles (irrespective of their nature) which
counts.
3. Q: Show that relative lowering in vapour pressure is a colligative property.
A: Relative lowering in vapour pressure: The vapour pressure of the solution decreases, when a non-
volatile solute is added to the solvent.
Let xA = mole fraction of the solvent.
xB = mole fraction of the solute.
P˚A = vapour pressure of the pure solvent.
P = vapour pressure of the solution.
According to Raoult’s law: P = P˚A xA
Since solute is non-volatile, it has no contribution to the vapour pressure and the vapour pressure of the
solution will be only due to the solvent. Therefore, the vapour pressure of the solution (P) will be equal to the
vapour pressure of the solvent (PA).
i.e. P = PA
P = PA = P˚A xA (xA + xB = 1 and xA = 1- xB)
Since xA is always less than one, the vapour pressure of the solution is always less than P˚A.
P = P˚A xA
P
= xA
Pþ A
Subtracting each side of the equation from 1, we get
1- P Pþ A – PA
= 1 - xA or = xB
Pþ A Pþ A

P˚A – P = difference in vapour pressure of the pure solvent and the solution, represent the lowering in
vapour pressure on the formation of solution.
Pþ A – PA
= relative lowering in vapour pressure = xB.
Pþ A
So, the relative lowering in vapour pressure of an ideal solution containing the non-volatile solute is equal to
the mole fraction of the solute (xB) and is independent of its nature, it is a colligative property.
4. Q: Why vapour pressure of an aqueous solution of glucose is lower than that of water?
A: This is due to the fact that evaporation (formation of vapours) is a surface phenomenon. In pure
water, the entire surface of liquid is occupied by the molecules of water. When a non-volatile solute
like glucose is dissolved in water, some of the surface gets covered by glucose which is non-volatile.
As a result, number of molecules escaping from the surface decreases and vapour pressure of the
solution decreases.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 1
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

5. Q: Derive expression to calculate MB from relative lowering in vapour pressure.

A: Determination of molar mass of a solute from relative lowering in vapour pressure: - Molar mass of
a non-volatile solute can be calculated from relative lowering in vapour pressure.
According to Raoult’s law, the relative lowering in vapour pressure on addition of a non-volatile
Pþ A – PA
solute to the solvent is: = xB …………………….. (1)
Pþ A
xB (mole fraction of the solute) = nB / nA + nB
nB = number of mole of component B.
nA = number of mole of component A.
w w
Now, nA = A , nB = B (Actual mass / Molar mass)
MA MB

WB / M B
therefore, xB =
WA / M A + WB / M B

Since, the solution is dilute, molar concentration of the solute being very small
(WB / MB << WA / MA), can be neglected as compared to that of the solvent.
WB / M B WB  M A
So, xB = =
WA / M A WA  M B

Substituting the value of xB in equation 1 we get

Pþ A – PA WB  M A
=
Pþ A WA  M B

WB  M A
MB =
Pþ A – PA
WA 
Pþ A
So, the molar mass of the solute (MB) can be calculated if the other quantities WA, WB,
Pþ – P
MA and relative lowering in vapour pressure ( A A ) are known.
Pþ A
6. Q: What is the mathematical form of Raoult’s law of relative lowering of vapour pressure?
Pþ – P nB
A: A A =
Pþ A nA + nB
7. Q: What is the difference between lowering of vapour pressure and relative lowering of vapour
pressure.
A: Lowering of vapour pressure = P˚A – P
Pþ A – PA
Relative lowering in vapour pressure =
Pþ A

8. Q: Define boiling point and freezing point.

A: Boiling point: It may be defined as the temperature at which its vapour pressure becomes equal to
the external pressure usually 1 atmosphere.
Freezing Point: It may be defined as the temperature at which the liquid and the solid stare are in
equilibrium with each other or it is the temperature at which the liquid and the solid state of a
substance have the same vapour pressure.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 2
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

9. Q: Show that elevation in boiling point is a colligative property.

A: Mathematically, elevation in boiling point (ΔTb) may be represented as:
ΔTb = Tb - T˚b
Experimentally it has been found out that the ΔTb of a solution is directly proportional to the molar
concentration of the solution.
ΔTb α m m = molality of the solution.
Kb = molal boiling point elevation constant.
If m = 1, then
ΔTb = Kb
Elevation in boiling point – a Colligative property.
ΔTb α m.
Elevation in boiling point is directly proportional to the molal concentration of the solute (i.e. number
of moles) so it is Colligative property.
10. Q: Define molal boiling elevation constant (Kb).
A: The molal elevation constant or ebullioscopic constant or molal boiling elevation constant may be
defined as the elevation in boiling point when the molality of the solution is unity i.e., when one mole
of the solute is dissolved in 1000g of the solvent.
11. Q: Derive expression to calculate MB from elevation in boiling point.
A: Determination of molar mass of the solute from elevation in boiling point:
ΔTb is useful in determining the molar mass of the solute.
moles of solute
ΔTb = Kb m m (molality) =
wt. of the solvent in gm.
WB
( moles of solute = )
MB
WB  1000
m =
MB  WA
Therefore, ΔTb = Kb m

K b  WB  1000
ΔTb =
M B  WA
or
K b  WB  1000
MB =
ΔTb  WA

Where MB = molecular mass of the solute.

WA = weight of the solvent.
WB = weight of the solute.
Kb = molal elevation in boiling point.

12. Q: Why boiling point of water is increased on addition of sodium chloride into it?
A: NaCl is a non-volatile solute. When it is dissolved in water, the vapour pressure of the solution
decreases because evaporation (formation of vapours) is a surface phenomenon. In the solution, some
of the surface gets covered by NaCl. As a result, number of molecules escaping from the surface
decreases and vapour pressure of the solution decreases. The solution has to be heated more to make
vapour pressure equal to external pressure. Therefore, boiling point is increased.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 3
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

13. Q: Why does the use of pressure cooker reduce cooking time?
A: The weight over the lid does not allow the steam to go out. As a result, pressure inside the cooker is
high. Higher the external pressure higher is the boiling point and faster is its cooking.
14. Q: Will the elevation in boiling point be the same if 0.1 mole of sodium chloride or 0.1 mole of sugar is
dissolved in 1 L of water?
A: The elevation in boiling point of 0.1 mole of NaCl and 0.1 M of sugar dissolved in water will not be
same. Elevation in boiling point is a colligative property and depends upon the number of solute
particles. NaCl is ionic and give more number of particles due to ionisation than sugar which consists
of molecules.
15. Q: How are boiling points of the following solutions in water are different: 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M
Sugar Solution.
A:The boiling point of 0.1 M NaCl will be higher because NaCl is an electrolyte, dissociate in water to
form Na+ and Cl- ions leading to increase in the number of solute particles in the solution.

16. Q: Which will have a higher boiling point, 0.1 M NaCl or 0.1 M BaCl2 solution in water?
A: 0.1 M BaCl2 will have higher boiling point because upon dissociation it gives more number of
particles.
BaCl2 ⇌ Ba2+ + Cl- + Cl- (more ions)
NaCl ⇌ Na+ + Cl-
17. Q: Show that depression in freezing point is a colligative property.
A: We know, ΔTf = T˚f - Tf
Experimentally it has been found that ΔTf α m (molal concentration of the sol.)
ΔTf = Kf m
(where Kf is the molal freezing constant, also called molal cryoscopic constant)
if m = 1, ΔTf = Kf
so, molal freezing point depression constant is defined as the depression in freezing point for 1 molal
solution i.e. a solution containing 1 gram mole of solute dissolved in 1000 gm. of the solvent.
Depression in freezing point – a Colligative property: Since, ΔTf α m i.e. depression in freezing point
temperature is directly proportional to the molal concentration of the solute (i.e. no. of molecules) so, it is a
Colligative property.

18. Q: Define molal freezing point depression constant (Kf).

A: It may be defined as the depression in freezing point when molality of the solution is unity i.e.,
when one mole of the solute is dissolved in 1000g of the solvent.
19. Q: What is de-icing agent? How does it work?
A: Common salt is called de-icing agent because it lowers the freezing point of water to such an
extent that it does not freeze to form ice. Hence it is used to clear the snow from roads.
20. Q: What are antifreeze solutions? Give examples.
A: To avoid the freezing of water in the radiators of the vehicles in cold places, certain substances are
added in to the water. In the presence of these substances water does not freeze at low temperature in
radiators. Such substances are called anti-freeze solution. For example, ethylene glycol in water is
commonly used in car radiators which lower the freezing point of water.

21. Q: Why it is advised to add ethylene glycol to water in a car radiator while driving in a hill station?
A: This is due to the fact that ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point of water to a large extent. It
keeps the engine quite cool even in extreme hot weather.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 4
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

22. Q: Derive expression to calculate MB from depression in freezing point.

A: Determination of molar mass of solute from depression in freeing point temperature:
With the help of ΔTf , we can calculate the molar mass of solute (MB) as follows:
Let Wt. of the solute = WB
Wt. of the solvent = WA
Molar mass of solute = MB
moles of solute moles of solute  1000
Molality of the solution (m) = =
wt. of the solvent in kg . wt. of the solvent in gm.

nB  1000 WB 1000
m = =
WA WA  MB

And ΔTf = Kf × m

K f  WB 1000 K f  WB 1000
ΔTf = and MB =
WA  M B ΔTf  WA

23. Q: If glycerine and methyl alcohol are sold at the same price per kg, which would be cheaper for
preparing an antifreeze solution for the radiators of a car?
A: Methyl alcohol is cheaper because it has low molecular mass and a given mass of CH 3OH contains
more moles than the same mass of glycerine. More moles of solute means higher molality and therefore
it causes lower freezing point (because ΔTf ). In other words it would take less methyl alcohol to
protect a radiator to a given freezing point.

24. Q: Why NaCl or CaCl2 is used to clear snow on the roads?

A: This is due to the fact that NaCl and CaCl2 are de-icing agent because they lower the freezing point
of water to such an extent that it does not freeze to form ice. Hence it is used to clear the snow from
roads.
25. Q: Why is camphor preferred in the determination of ΔTf?
A: Camphor has a large Kf value (39.8%) and therefore causes large depression in melting point of
solution with very small amount of solute (naphthalene).

26. Q: The cryoscopic constant Kf for water is 1.86 K mol-1 kg-1. What does it signify?
A: It signifies that one mole of a normal solute is dissolved in 1 kg of water, the freezing point of water
is lowered by 1.86 K.
27. Q: Will the depression in freezing point be same or different if 0.1 mole of sugar or 0.1 mole of glucose
is dissolved in one litre of water?
A: The depression in freezing point will be same in both the solution because both are non-
electrolytes and give same number of solute particles.
28. Q: Out of 2 M glucose solution and 1 M glucose solution which has lower freezing point?
A: Higher the concentration of the solution, greater will be the depression and hence lower will be the
freezing point. So, 2M glucose solution will have lower freezing point.

29. Q: Out of 1 M urea solution and 1 M KCl solution which has higher freezing point?
A: 1 M urea solution has higher freezing point because lowering in freezing point temperature (ΔTf)
will be less as compare to 1 M KCl solution which is an electrolyte.
Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 5
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

30. Q: Sodium chloride solution freezes at lower temperature than water but boils at higher temperature
than water. Explain.
A: On dissolving a solute in a solvent, the vapour pressure decreases. As a result, the solution freezes
at a lower temperature and boil at a higher temperature.

31. Q: Define osmosis and diffusion.

A: Osmosis: Osmosis can be defined as the phenomenon of the flow of solvent through a semi-
permeable membrane from pure solvent to the solution. It can also take place between the solutions of
different concentrations. In such cases the solvent moves from the solution of low solute concentration to
that of higher concentration. Semi-permeable membrane allows only the solvent and not the solute to pass
through it.
Diffusion: It may be defined as simple flow of substances (solvent or solute) from a region of higher
concentration to a region of lower concentration. No semipermeable membrane is required in
diffusion.

32. Q: Write any four differences between diffusion and osmosis.

Osmosis Diffusion
1. The process of osmosis takes place 1. No semi permeable membrane is required
through a semi permeable membrane. for diffusion.
2. Osmosis involves the movement of 2. Here, both solvent and solute
solvent molecule only. molecules can move.
3. It occurs only in solutions. 3. It is common in gases as well as liquids.
4. In case of osmosis, molecules of solvent 4. Here, the molecules move from a region of
move from a region of lower higher concentration into a region of lower
concentration of solution into a region of concentration.
higher concentration.
5. The process of osmosis can be reversed or 5. It cannot be stopped or reversed.
stopped by applying additional pressure
on the higher concentration side.

33. Q: What is semipermeable membrane? Give example.

A: It is a continuous sheet or film (natural or synthetic) which contain a network of sub-microscopic
pores or holes through which small solvent molecules like water can pass but bigger molecules of
solute cannot pass.
34. Q: Define osmotic pressure. Show that osmotic pressure is a colligative property.
A: Osmotic Pressure: It may be defined as the excess pressure which must be applied to a solution to
prevent the passage of solvent into it through a semi permeable membrane. It is denoted by π.
Osmotic pressure- a colligative property: According to Van’t Hoff, the osmotic pressure (π) is given as:
π = cRT.
Where c = molar concentration (molarity)
T = temperature.
R = gas constant.
For a solution, at a given temperature both R and T are constant.
Therefore, π α c.
Since osmotic pressure depends upon the molar concentration of the solution so, it is colligative property.

35. Q: What is van’t Hoff equation for dilute solution?

A: π V= nRT.
Where π is osmotic pressure, n is no. of moles of solute present in V litre of solution, T is temperature
and R is gas constant or solution constant.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 6
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

36. Q: How does osmotic pressure depend upon temperature?

A: It increases with rise in temperature (because π = n×R×T)
37. Q: State the condition resulting in reverse osmosis.
A: Reverse osmosis occurs when pressure greater than osmotic pressure is applied on the solution
side.
38. Q: Define reverse osmosis. Give its applications.
A: The process of osmosis can be reversed if a pressure larger than the osmotic pressure is applied on
the solution side. As a result, the solvent starts moving from solution towards the pure solvent
through the semipermeable membrane. This process of movement of solvent through semipermeable
membrane from the solution to the pure solvent by applying excess pressure on solution side is called
reverse osmosis. It has following applications:
1. The main application of reverse osmosis is for desalination of sea water for getting drinking water.
2. RO system in home also works on this phenomenon.
39. Q: Derive expression to calculate MB from osmotic pressure.
A: Determination of molar mass from osmotic pressure:
According to Van’t Hoff equation,
π =cRT where c = molar concentration (molar conc.)
moles of solute moles of solute  1000 n
Molarity of the solution (M) = = =
vol of the solvent in litre. vol of the solvent in mL. V

n
π= ×R×T
V
WB
Since n (number of moles) = actual wt. of solute / molecular mass. n=
MB
So,
WB  R  T WB  R  T
π= and MB =
V  MB Vπ

40. Q: Which colligative property is generally used for determining the molar mass of a solute?
A: Osmotic pressure is generally used for this purpose.
41. Q: What are isotonic solutions? Give one example.
A: The solutions having the same value of osmotic pressure are known as isotonic solutions or or
isosmotic solutions. e.g., 0.1 M solution of glucose and 0.1 M solution of urea.
From the equation, π = cRT
It is clear that if two solutions have same concentration, they must have same osmotic pressure at the
same temperature. Thus, the solutions of equimolar (same) concentrations at the same temperature
have same osmotic pressure i.e., they are isotonic.
42. Q: What are hypertonic solutions?
A: The solution having higher osmotic pressure is said to be hypertonic with respect to solution
having lower osmotic pressure.
43. Q: What are hypotonic solutions?
A: The solution having lower osmotic pressure is said to be hypotonic with respect to solution having
higher osmotic pressure.
44. Q: Does osmosis occur from hypertonic solution to hypotonic solution?
A: No, it always occurs from hypotonic to hypertonic solution.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 7
 (+2 Chemistry - Solved Assignment) Chapter No. 2: Solutions, Topic: Colligative Properties

45. Q: Will osmosis take place when 0.1 M aqueous urea and glucose solutions are separated by
semipermeable membrane?
A: No, It will not take place as they are isotonic as well as iso-osmotic in nature.
46. Q: What happens when blood cells are placed in pure water?
A: When blood cells are placed in pure water, due to osmosis water will rush into blood cells leading
to their swelling and bursting.

47. Q: Sea water fish die when they are suddenly transferred to a fresh water aquarium. Why?
A: Osmosis tries to equalize the concentration of water in the solution, both in the cells of the fish and
the surrounding water. Water from aquarium passes through the cell membranes causing them to
expand and get ruptured.

48. Q: What will happen if pressure greater than osmotic pressure is applied on the solution separated by
a semipermeable membrane from the solvent?
A: It will result in to reverse osmosis. i.e., there will be net flow of solvent from the solution to the
solvent.
49. Q: A person suffering from high blood pressure is advised to take minimum amount of common salt.
A: The osmotic pressure increases with the amount of solute. Since the body fluid contains Na + and
Cl- ions and if we take more salt, the concentration of these ions will increase leading to high osmotic
pressure. The high osmotic pressure may cause rupture of the cells. Therefore, the patients suffering from
high blood pressure are advised to take less of common salt.

50. Q: Outer hard shell of two eggs is removed by placing them in dilute NaCl. If one is kept in pure water
and the other in sodium chloride solution, what will you notice and why?
A: The egg placed in water will swell in size because water (being hypotonic) will enter the semi-
permeable membrane of the egg due to osmosis. But in the second case, fluid will come out from the egg and
will pass into sodium chloride solution and the egg will shrink. This is due to the fact that osmosis always
takes place from higher concentration of solvent to lower concentration of solvent.
51. Q: Are equimolar solutions of sodium chloride and urea isotonic? Why?
A: Sodium chloride gets dissociated to two ions (Na+ and Cl-) and exerts almost double osmotic
pressure than urea (which is non-electrolyte).
52. Q: When dehydrated fruits and vegetables are placed in water, they slowly swell and return to
original form. Why? Would a temperature increase accelerate the process?
A: The cell walls of the fruits and vegetables have semi-permeable membranes. When they have dried,
concentration inside them is higher. On placing in water, water enters into the cells, i.e., endosmosis
takes place. Due to this, they swell and return to the original form. This rate of endosmosis increases
with increase in temperature.
53. Q: Why is great care taken in intravenous injection to have comparable concentration of solutions to
be injected to that of blood plasma?
A: During intravenous injections, the concentrations of the solution to be injected should be
comparable to blood plasma. If the solution is less concentrated, its osmotic pressure will be low. The water
will try to move in to the red blood cells through the cell walls. As a result, cells will swell and burst. On the
other hand, if the solution is more concentrated, the water in the cells will try to move outside the cell to the
more concentrated solution by osmosis. This causes cells to shrink and consequently cease to function.

Chemistry Notes By: Gursharn deep Suman [M.Sc.(Chemistry), M.A., B.Ed.] Page 8