Final answer:
A colligative property is a property of a solution that depends on the number of solute particles present, rather than the identity of the solute particles. Freezing point depression is an example of a colligative property.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colligative property refers to a property of a solution that depends on the number of solute particles present, rather than the identity of the solute particles. Colligative properties include vapor pressure, boiling point, freezing point, and osmotic pressure. Freezing point depression is a colligative property because it is dependent on the number of solute particles in a solution, not on the specific solute itself.
For example, let's consider two solutions: a 0.20 m solution of table salt (NaCl) and a 0.20 m solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Despite the different chemical compositions, both solutions will have the same effect on the freezing point of the solvent. The amount of freezing point depression depends on the number of solute particles, which is determined by the concentration of the solution.