Question

A solution of potassium nitrate, an electrolyte, and a solution of glycerin (C₃H₅(OH)₃), a nonelectrolyte, both boil at 100.3 °C. What other physical properties of the two solutions are identical?

a) Density
b) pH value
c) Electrical conductivity
d) Vapor pressure

Answer 1

The boiling point and vapor pressure are identical for a solution of potassium nitrate and a solution of glycerin. However, density, pH value, and electrical conductivity are not identical for the two solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing a solution of potassium nitrate, an electrolyte, and a solution of glycerin, a nonelectrolyte, both solutions have identical boiling points. In addition to boiling point, another physical property that is identical for the two solutions is vapor pressure. Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by the vapor of a substance in equilibrium with its liquid phase at a given temperature.

Density, pH value, and electrical conductivity are not identical for the two solutions. Density is the mass per unit volume and can vary depending on the types and amounts of solute and solvent present. pH value is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution and is influenced by the presence of ions.

Electrical conductivity, on the other hand, depends on the ability of a solution to conduct an electric current and is determined by the presence of ions in the solution.