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Chem Unit Lesson 1.6
Chem Unit Lesson 1.6
Lesson 6.1
Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions:
Vapor-Pressure Lowering
Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Bibliography 13
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Lesson 6.1
Introduction
Numerous products that we use every day are the result of distillation, from the water and
alcoholic beverages that we drink to the gasoline that powers our cars. Distillation is a
physical process wherein a mixture of compounds having different vapor pressures is
separated into its components using heat. But what is vapor pressure? It is essential to
know something about the vapor pressures of solutions to understand better how
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 1
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
distillation works. This knowledge will allow us to deal with other important solution
properties. In this lesson, you will learn what vapor pressure is and how it is determined
using Raoult's Law.
Warm Up
Materials
● Florence flasks with cover
● deionized water
● sodium chloride (NaCl)
● top loading balance
● spatula
● stirring rod
Procedure
1. Prepare the following set-up and place inside the refrigerator an hour prior to use.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 2
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
2. Prepare two Florence flasks filled with 100 ml of water. Label the beakers as A and B.
3. Measure 10 grams of sodium chloride.
4. Transfer the 10 grams of sodium chloride solution in beaker A and mix.
5. During the experiment, retrieve both flasks and record your observations in the table
below.
6. Answer the guide questions that follow.
Data Table
Table 6.1.1. Temperature measurements (in ºC) and observations on beakers A and B.
Beaker Observation
A (water + salt solution)
B (pure deionized water)
Guide Questions
1. Which flask exhibited more condensation?
2. Based on the activity, which do you think has higher vapor pressure?
3. How does adding salt affect the vapor pressure?
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 3
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
and these include the following: (1) vapor-pressure lowering, (2) boiling-point elevation, (3)
freezing-point depression, (4) and osmotic pressure. In this lesson, we will discuss the
property vapor-pressure lowering.
Vapor Pressure
When a pure liquid (solvent) in a closed container reaches equilibrium with its vapor, the
pressure exerted by the vapor is called vapor pressure. Vapor pressure is the measure of
the tendency of the molecules to escape in the form of gas. A substance that evaporates
quickly exhibits vapor pressure and is referred to as a volatile substance, while a substance
that has no measurable vapor pressure is called nonvolatile.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 4
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
The presence of nonvolatile solutes lowers the vapor pressure of a solution by preventing
the evaporation of solvent molecules.
Remember
The vapor pressure of a solution is directly affected by the number
of solute molecules present in a given amount of solvent.
The reduction of the vapor pressure of a solution is directly proportional to the fraction of
solvent molecules in the solution, which can be mathematically represented as the mole
fraction of the solvent. The reduced vapor pressure can be determined using Raoult’s law.
Raoult’s Law
Raoult’s law states that the vapor pressure of an ideal solution, PA, is the product of the
vapor pressure of the pure solvent, P0A, and the mole fraction of solvent in the solution at
the given temperature, XA.
Equation 6.1.1
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 5
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Limitations of Raoult’s Law
Raoult's law only works on ideal solutions and to all volatile components of the solutions.
Nevertheless, even in nonideal solutions, the law applies well for the solvent in dilute
solutions or low concentration solutions. Another consideration is the nature of the solute;
the law does not apply to solutes which associate or disassociate in the particular solution,
so it is essential to take into consideration whether the solute is nonelectrolyte or
electrolyte.
Let’s Practice!
Example 1
The vapor pressures of pure toluene and pure benzene at 25°C are 25.3 and 88.2 mmHg,
respectively. A solution is prepared in which the mole fractions of toluene and benzene are
both 0.500. What are the partial pressures of the benzene and toluene above this solution?
Solution
Step 1: Identify the given.
The vapor pressures and mole fractions of pure toluene and pure benzene are
given.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 6
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Step 2: Identify what is asked in the problem.
The problem asks to solve for partial pressures of toluene and benzene.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
Step 4: Substitute the values.
Step 5: Find the answer.
Therefore, the partial pressures of toluene and benzene are 12.65 mm Hg and 44.1 mm
Hg.
1 Try It!
The vapor pressures of pure toluene and pure benzene at 25°C are 30.4 and 92.4
mmHg, respectively. A solution is prepared in which the mole fractions of toluene
and benzene are both 0.500. What are the partial pressures of the benzene and
toluene above this solution?
Example 2
What is the composition of the vapor in equilibrium with the toluene-benzene solution of
Let’s Practice! Example 1 if the total vapor pressure of the solution is 56.75 mmHg?
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 7
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Solution
Step 1: Identify the given.
The partial pressures computed from Example 1 and the total vapor pressure.
Step 2: Identify what is asked in the problem.
The problem asks to find the mole fraction of benzene and of toluene in the vapor.
Step 3: Write the working equation.
Step 4: Substitute the values.
Step 5: Find the answer.
Therefore, the mole fraction of toluene and benzene in the vapor are 0.223 and 0.777,
respectively.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 8
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
2 Try It!
What is the total vapor pressure and composition of the vapor in equilibrium with the
toluene-benzene solution of Try It! item 1?
Example 3
Calculate the vapor pressure of a solution consisting of 4 moles of a nonvolatile solute and
16 moles of water at 25 °C, given that the vapor pressure of pure water at 25 °C is 24.5
mmHg.
Solution
Step 1: Identify the given.
The moles of nonvolatile solute and water and the vapor pressure of pure water.
Step 2: Identify what is asked in the problem.
The problem asks for the vapor pressure of the solution.
Step 3 Write the working equation.
Step 4: Substitute the values and solve the vapor pressure of the solution.
Calculate first the mole fraction of water.
Then,
.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 9
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Step 5: Find the answer.
Therefore, the vapor pressure of the solution is 19.6 mm Hg.
3 Try It!
Calculate the vapor pressure of a solution consisting of 8 moles of a nonvolatile
solute and 50 moles of water at 25 °C, given that the vapor pressure of pure water at
25 °C is 26 torr?
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● Colligative properties are properties of solutions that are dependent on the
concentration of solute particles.
● Vapor pressure is the measure of the tendency of the molecules to escape in the
form of gas.
● The vapor pressure of a solution is directly affected by the number of solute
molecules present in a given amount of solvent.
● Raoult’s law states that the vapor pressure of an ideal solution is the product of the
vapor pressure of the pure solvent and the mole fraction of solvent in the solution at
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 10
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
the given temperature.
● Raoult's law only works on ideal solutions and to all volatile components of the
solutions.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Key Formula
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_______ 1. Raoult’s Law states that the partial vapor pressure of each component of
an ideal mixture of liquids is the total of the vapor pressure of the pure
component multiplied by its mole fraction in the mixture.
_______ 2. The vapor pressure of a solution is directly affected by the number of
solute molecules present.
_______ 3. Colligative properties are properties of solutions that are dependent on
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 11
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
the concentration of solute particles.
_______ 4. Colligative properties are also dependent on the identity of the solute.
_______ 6. When a solute is added to a solvent, the vapor pressure decreases.
_______ 8. We can use Raoult’s Law in determining the molar mass of a solute.
_______ 9. In some instances, the vapor pressure of a solvent in a solution can be
higher than the vapor pressure of a pure solvent.
1. The vapor pressures of pure hexane and pure benzene at 25°C are 13.5 and 95.2
mmHg, respectively. A solution is prepared in which the mole fractions of toluene
and benzene are 0.4 and 0.6, respectively. What are the partial pressures of the
benzene and toluene above this solution?
2. What is the total pressure of the solution in item no. 1?
3. What is the composition of the vapor in equilibrium with the hexane-benzene
solution in item no. 1?
4. Calculate the vapor pressure of a solution made by dissolving 45.0 g glucose in 300 g
of water. Assume the vapor pressure of pure water is 44.1 torr at 30 °C.
5. At 20 oC, the vapor pressures of pure benzene (MW = 78.0 g/mol) and toluene
(C6H5CH3, MW = 92.0 g/mol) are 20 mm Hg and 60 mm Hg, respectively. What is the
total vapor pressure above a solution containing 18.0 g of benzene and 23.0 g of
toluene at 20 oC?
6. At 35 °C, pure water has a vapor pressure of 35 torr. A solution is prepared by adding
86.8 g of solute A to 250 g of water. The vapor pressure of the resulting solution is
23.2 torr. Calculate the molar mass of A.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 12
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
7. What is the vapor pressure of an aqueous solution that has a solute mole fraction of
0.3? The vapor pressure of the pure solvent is 23 torr at 25 °C.
8. Calculate the vapor pressure of a solution consisting of 5 moles of a nonvolatile
solute and 32 moles of water at 32.5 °C, given that the vapor pressure of pure water
at 32.5 °C is 44.2 mmHg.
9. Consider two liquids, X and Y. The vapor pressures of pure X and pure Y are 35.0 torr
and 50.0 torr, respectively. What is the total vapor pressure inside an airtight
chamber containing a solution of only these two liquids: 2.5 moles of X and 3.5 moles
of Y?
10. What is the vapor pressure at 25.0 °C of a solution composed of 32.4 g of
naphthalene (MW = 128 g/mol) and 51.2 g of ethanol (MW = 46.02 g/mol)? The vapor
pressure of pure ethanol at 25.0 °C is 96 torr.
Challenge Yourself
Bibliography
Brown T.L. et al. 2012. Chemistry: The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Prentice Hall. Print.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 13
Unit 6: Colligative Properties of Solutions
Chang, Raymond and Kenneth A. Goldsby. 2016. Chemistry. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Education. Print.
Petrucci, Ralph H. 2011. General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications. Toronto,
Ontario: Pearson Canada. Print.
Silberberg, Martin S. 2007. Principles of General Chemistry. Pennsylvania State University:
McGraw-Hill Higher Education. 2007. Print.
Whitten, Kenneth W. 2013. Chemistry (10th ed). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Print.
6.1. Colligative Properties of Nonelectrolyte Solutions: Vapor-Pressure Lowering 14