206k views
5 votes
Derive a formula, similar to equation 5.90, for the shift in the freezing temperature of a dilute solution. Assume that the solid phase is pure solvent, no solute. You should find that the shift is negative: The freezing temperature of a solution is less than that of the pure solvent. Explain in general terms why the shift should be negative.

2 Answers

5 votes

When a solute is dissolved in a solvent, it disrupts the ordering process of the solvent's particles, resulting in a lower freezing point for the solution. The freezing point depression, which is negative, is directly proportional to the molal concentration of the solute.

When a pure solvent freezes, its particles become more ordered as the intermolecular forces that operate between the molecules become permanent. By dissolving a solute into the solvent, this ordering process is disrupted, requiring more energy to be removed from the solution in order to freeze it. This results in a lower freezing point for the solution compared to the pure solvent.

The decrease in freezing point, or freezing point depression (ΔTf), is directly proportional to the molal concentration of the solute. The formula for calculating the freezing point depression is: ΔTf = Kf × m, where Kf is the molal freezing point depression constant and m is the molality of the solution.

It is important to note that the freezing point depression is negative because the freezing temperature of the solution is lower than that of the pure solvent.

Complete Question:

Derive a formula, similar to equation 5.90 which was T-Tnot = (nB*k*Tnot^2)/L for the shift in the freezing temperature of a dilute soution. Assume that the solid phase is pure solvent, no solute. You should find that the shift is negative: The freezing temperature of a solution is less than that of the pure solvent. Explain in general terms why the shift should be negative.

User AdrienBrault
by
6.7k points
4 votes

The formula for the shift in freezing temperature of a dilute solution, where the solid phase is pure solvent is ΔTf = -Kf * m with the shift being negative.

This occurs because solute particles disrupt the formation of the solid lattice requiring a lower temperature to freeze.

In the context of colligative properties a formula similar to equation 5.90 for the shift in the freezing temperature of a dilute solution can be derived.

This formula is ΔTf = -Kf * m, where ΔTf represents the change in freezing temperature Kf is the cryoscopic constant (a property of the solvent) and m is the molality of the solute.

Notably this shift is negative meaning the freezing temperature of a solution is lower than that of the pure solvent.

The reason for this negative shift can be explained in general terms. When a solute is added to a solvent it disrupts the formation of the solid lattice during freezing.

In other words solute particles interfere with the orderly arrangement of solvent molecules into a crystalline structure. As a result a solution requires a lower temperature to overcome this disruption and form a solid phase.

This negative shift in freezing temperature is a fundamental principle of colligative properties and is essential for various applications such as antifreeze solutions in cars and the preservation of biological materials.

Understanding this concept helps in predicting and controlling the behavior of solutions in different contexts.

User Katlock
by
6.9k points