CHAPTER 11: Properties of solutions

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Section 11.1

1. Know that mass or weight % =

What is meant by the term 'mass % of a solute in a solution’?

%=

2. Know that mole fraction =

Define mole fraction.

mole fraction =

3. Know that molarity is the number of moles of solute per dm3 of solution.
Define molarity.
Molarity is the number of moles of solute per L of solution

4. Know that molality is the number of moles of solute per kg of solvent.

Define molality.
Molality is the number of moles of solute per kg of solvent

5. Know that mole fraction =

What is the relationship between molality and mole fraction?

mole fraction =

Section 11.2

6. Know that heat of solution is the enthalpy change associated with the formation
of the solution.
Define Hsolution. Use NaCl to illustrate your answer.
Heat of solution of NaCl is the enthalpy change associated with dissolving NaCl(s) in water.
OR
It is the enthalpy change per mole for the following reaction:
NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

7. Know that the value of Hsolution depends on heats of hydration and lattice energy
What factors contribute to the value and sign of Hsoln?
The value of Hsolution depends on heats of hydration and lattice energy.

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 8. Know that enthalpy of hydration is the enthalpy change associated with the
dispersal of gaseous solute in excess water.
Define Hhydration. Use NaCl to illustrate your answer.
Enthalpy of hydration is the enthalpy change associated with the dispersal of Na+(g) and
Cl-(g) in excess water.
OR
It is the enthalpy change per mole for the following reactions:
Na+(g) → Na+(aq)
Cl-(g) → Cl-(aq)

9. Know that Hsolution = Hhydration - LE

How is the enthalpy of solution related to the enthalpy of hydration and lattice energy?
Hsolution = Hhydration – LE

10. Know that Hhydration is always exothermic

What is the sign of Hhydration?
Since hydration involves bond formation with water, heats of hydration are always
exothermic, so the sign of Hhydration is always negative.

11. Know that LE is always exothermic

What is the sign of LE?
Since lattice energy involves bond formation between oppositely charged gaseous ions,
lattice enthalpies are always exothermic, so the sign of LE is always negative.

12. Know that, for a given substance, if Hsolution is exothermic the substance is most
likely soluble
When do we expect a given substance to be soluble?
For a given substance, if Hsolution is exothermic the substance is highly likely to be soluble.
We cannot predict for sure if it soluble as disorder must also be studied. Some substance
have an exothermic Hsolution but are insoluble, while others might have an endothermic
Hsolution but are soluble.

13. Use the rule 'like dissolve like' to predict solubility

Do you expect HCl to dissolve to an appreciable extent in C6H6? Why?
No, HCl is a polar molecule while benzene is a non-polar solvent.

14. Know that compounds able to H-bond with water are soluble
Which do you expect to be more soluble in water, C2H6 or C2H5OH? Why?
C2H5OH, since ethanol is polar AND can H-bond with water while C2H6 is non-polar AND
cannot H-bond with water.

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Section 11.3

15. Know what hydrophobic / hydrophilic means.

Distinguish between the terms hydrophobic and hydrophilic.
Hydrophobic (water-fearing), they are insoluble in water.
Hydrophilic (water-loving), they are soluble in water.

16. Know that, in general, an increase in temperature increases solubility

solids and decreases solubility of gases
How do solubilities of solids and gases generally vary with temperature?
In general, an increase in temperature increases solubility of solids and decreases solubility
of gases.

Section 11.4

17. Know the meaning of volatile / nonvolatile

Dimethyl ether is a volatile liquid. What can be deduced from this?
We can deduce that it will have a high vapour pressure. Being volatile means that it
evaporates easily.

18. Know that Raoult's law for a non-volatile solute in a volatile solvent is:
Psoln = Xsolvent °
What is the mathematical model of Raoult's law for the vapour pressure of solution made using a
non-volatile solute and a volatile solvent?
Psoln = Xsolvent °

19. Know that Raoult's law for a solution of two volatile substances is:
Psoln = PA + PB = XA ° + XB °
What is the mathematical model of Raoult's law for the vapour pressure of solution made using
two volatile solutes?
Psoln = PA + PB = XA ° + XB °

20. Application on PA = XA °
What is the partial pressure of liquid A in a solution of A and B in which the mole fraction of A
is 0.400? PA = 500 mmHg, PB = 700mmHg
PA = XA ° = (0.40)(500) = 200 mm Hg

21. Know that an ideal solution is one that obeys Raoult's law
Two liquids form an ideal solution. What is meant by this?
An ideal solution is one that obeys Raoult's law.

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 °
22. Know that PA = =
A solution composed of two volatile liquids, A and B is formed. What is the relationship
between the mole fractions of A in the solution and the vapour above the solution?
PA = °

23. Know why (-v)/(+v) deviations occur in solutions

Why do (-v) or (+v) deviations occur in solutions?
Negative Deviation: It occurs when solute A – solute B interactions are stronger than
solute A – solute A or solute B – solute B interactions. As a result,
 The observed vapour pressure will be less than that predicted for by Raoult’s Law.
 A and B mix exothermically
 Volume of solution < volume of A + volume of B

Positive Deviation: It occurs when solute A – solute B interactions are weaker than
solute A – solute A or solute B – solute B interactions. As a result,
 The observed vapour pressure will be more than that predicted for by Raoult’s Law.
 A and B mix endothermically
 Volume of solution > volume of A + volume of B

Section 11.5

24. Know what colligative properties are

What are colligative properties?
Properties of a solution that depend only on the number, and not the identity, of the solute
particles. Examples include, freezing point depression, boiling point elevation, osmotic
pressure and vapour pressure.

25. Application on Tb = Kb m

What is the boiling point of a 0.50m sugar solution? Kb = 0.51?
Tb = Kb m = (0.51)(0.50) = 0.255C
Boiling point = 100.255C

26. Application on Tf = Kf m

What is the freezing point of a 0.50m sugar solution? Kf = 1.86?
Tf = Kf m = (1.86)(0.50) = 0.93C
Freezing point = - 0.93C

Section 11.6

27. Know definition of osmotic pressure

Define osmotic pressure.
The pressure that must be applied to a solution to stop osmosis;  = MRT.

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 28. Application on  = CRT
What is the osmotic pressure of a 0.10M sugar solution at 23°C?
 = MRT = (0.10)(0.082)(23 + 273) = 2.43 atm

Section 11.7

29. Know what the van't Hoff factor is

What is the van't Hoff factor ?

i=

30. Application on Tb = Kb m i

What is the boiling point of a 0.50m NaCl solution? Kb = 0.51?
Tb = Kb m i = (0.51)(0.50)(2) = 0.51C
Boiling point = 100.51C

31. Application on Tf = Kf m i

What is the freezing point of 0.10m NaCl solution? Kf = 1.86
Tf = Kf m i = (1.86)(0.10)(2) = 0.372C
Freezing point = -0.372C

32. Application on  = iCRT

What is the osmotic pressure of a 0.10M NaCl solution at 25°C?
 = iCRT = (2)(0.10)(0.082)(25 + 273) = 4.9 atm

33. Identify colligative properties from a list

Name some properties that are colligative.
 freezing point depression,
 boiling point elevation,
 osmotic pressure and
 vapour pressure.

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BASIC QUESTIONS
Basic Question 1
11.1 Find mass % given mass of solute and mass of solvent T,G
a) 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 100g H2O. Calculate the mass % of the
sugar in the solution.
Given: msugar = 10.0g, mwater = 100g
RTF: mass %
10
mass % of sugar = = ×100 = 9.1%
110

11.1 Find mole fraction given mass of solute and mass of solvent T,G
b) 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 100g H2O. Calculate the mole fraction of
the sugar in the solution.
Given: msugar = 10.0g, mwater = 100g
RTF: Xsugar
10
Xsugar = = 342 = 5.24×10-3
100 10
+
18 342
11.1 Find molality given mass of solute, mass of solvent T,G
c)
i. 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 100g H2O to give a final volume of 102cm3.
Calculate the molality of the sugar in the solution.
Given: msugar=10.0g, mwater = 100g
RTF: molality
10
nsugar = = 0.0292mole
342
0.0292
m = = = 0.292 molal
100 ×10-3

11.1 Find molarity given mass of solute and volume of solution T,G
ii. 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 100g H2O to give a final volume of 102cm3.
Calculate the molarity of the sugar in the solution.
Given: msugar=10.0g, V = 102 cm3
RTF: molarity
10
nsugar = = 0.0292mole
342
0.0292
[sugar] = = 0.287M
0.102

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Basic Question 2
11.1 Find molality given mole fraction -
What is the molality of ethanol, C2H5OH, in an aqueous solution in which the mol fraction of
ethanol is 0.082?
Given: Xethanol = 0.082
RTF: molality
X=

0.082 =

m = 4.9767 = 5.0 molal

Basic Question 3
11.1 Find molarity given density of a solution and mass % of solute -
An HCl solution is 30% HCl by weight and its density is 1.1g mL-1.
a) What is its molarity?
Given: mass % HCl = 30, dsolution = 1.1 g/ml
RTF: Molarity
Assume mHCl = 30g and msolution = 100g
dsolution = msolution / Vsolution
Vsolution = msolution / dsolution = 100 / 1.1 = 90.1 mL = 0.0901 L
nHCl = = = 0.82 moles
.
.
[HCl] = = 9.1M
.

11.1 Find molality given density of a solution and mass % of solute -

b) What is its molality?
Given: mass % HCl = 30, dsolution = 1.1 g/ml
RTF: Molality
Assume mHCl = 30g and msolution = 100g
nHCl = = = 0.82 moles
.
msolvent = msolution – msolute = 100 – 30 = 70g = 0.07Kg
.
molality = = = 11.7 molal
.

11.1 Find molality given density of a solution and mass % of solute -

c) What is the mole fraction of HCl?
Given: mass % HCl = 30, dsolution = 1.1 g/ml
RTF: Mole fraction
Assume mHCl = 30g and msolution = 100g
nHCl = = = 0.82 moles
.
msolvent = msolution – msolute = 100 – 30 = 70g

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nwater = = 3.89 mole
.
mole fraction = = 0.174
. .

Basic Question 4
11.4 Give the mathematical model of Raoult’s law as applied to the vapour pressure of -
dilute solutions of non volatile solutes
a) Give the mathematical model of Raoult’s law as applied to the vapour pressure of dilute
solutions of non-volatile solutes.
Psolution = Xsolvent Posolvent

11.4 Represent the above law on a diagram of vapour pressure of solution vs. mole -
fraction of solvent
b) Represent the above law on a diagram of vapour pressure of solution vs. mole fraction of
solvent.

Psolution

0 X 1
Mole fraction of solvent

Basic Question 5
11.4 Find vapour pressure given mass of molecular solute, mass of solvent and vapour G
pressure of solvent
A sample containing 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 100g of water at a
temperature where the vapour pressure of the water is 25mmHg. Calculate the vapour pressure of
the solution.
Given: msugar = 10.0g, mwater = 100g, VPwater = 25mm Hg
RTF: P solution
° °
Psolution = Xsolvent = = . = 24.9 mm Hg

Basic Question 6
11.4 Find vapour pressure given molality of molecular solute and vapour pressure of -
solvent
A 0.70m sugar solution is prepared. What is the vapour pressure of the solution at a temperature
where the vapour pressure of H2O = 23.0 mm Hg?
Given: msugar = 0.70 molal, Pwater = 23.0 mm Hg
RTF: Psolution

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 .
Xsugar = = = 0.0124
.
Xwater = 1 - Xsugar = 1 – 0.0124 = 0.988
°
Psolution = Xsolvent = (0.988)(23.0) = 22.7 mm Hg

Basic Question 7
11.4 Find the molar mass of a molecular solute given its m, m of solvent, Psoln and Psolvent -
A sample containing 5.00g of an organic compound X was dissolved in 50.0g H2O. The vapour
pressure of the solution was 24.0mm Hg. If the vapour pressure of pure water is 24.5 mm Hg
and X does not ionize, find the molar mass of X.
Given: mX = 5.00 g, mwater = 50.0 g, Psoln = 24.0 mm Hg, Pwater = 24.5 mm Hg
RTF: MX
.
Psolution = Xsolvent ° Xsolvent = ° = 0.980
.

Xsolvent =

.
0.980 = . .

M = 81.7 g/mol

Basic Question 8
11.4 Find vapour pressure given mass of ionic solute, mass of solvent and vapour -
pressure of solvent
5.85g NaCl were dissolved in 32.4g of water at a temperature where the vapour pressure of the
water is 25mmHg. Calculate the vapour pressure of the solution.
Given: mNaCl = 5.85g, mwater = 32.4g, VPwater = 25mm Hg
RTF: P solution
n n water
Psolution = Xwater ° °
= water Pwater = °
Pwater
n total n Na+ + nCl- + n water
32.4
Psoln = 18 × 25 = 22.5 mmHg
 5.85  32.4
2 +
 58.5  18

Basic Question 9
11.4 Give the mathematical model of Raoult’s law as applied to the vapour pressure of -
dilute solutions of volatile solutes
a) Give the mathematical model of Raoult’s law as applied to the vapour pressure of ideal, dilute
solutions in which both components are volatile.
P solution = PA + PB = XA P0A + XB P0B

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 11.4 Represent the above law on a diagram of vapour pressure of solution vs. mole -
fraction of solvent
b) Represent the above law on a diagram of vapour pressure of solution vs. mole fraction of each
component of the solution.

Vapour
Pressure

0 --------- XA ------- 1

11.4 Know that for ideal solutions, A-A and B-B attractions are similar to A-B attractions -
c) Benzene and toluene form ideal solutions. What can you say about the benzene–toluene
attractions as compared to the benzene – benzene or toluene–toluene attractions?
They are very similar in strength.

Basic Question 10
11.4 Find Psolution given number of moles of two volatile components and P of each -
A sample containing 0.3 mol of benzene was mixed with 0.7 mole of toluene at a temperature
where the vapour pressure of benzene is 75 mm Hg and that of toluene is 22 mmHg. Calculate the
vapour pressure of the solution assuming ideal behavior.
Given: nbenzene = 0.3 mole, ntoluene = 0.7 mole, PB = 75 mm Hg, PT = 22 mm Hg
RTF: P solution
. .
Psolution = PB + PT = XB PB + XT PT = ( )(75) + ( )(22) = 37.9 mm Hg
. .

Basic Question 11
11.4 Find and from , PA and PB given that A and B are both volatile -
A solution of benzene and toluene is prepared in which the mole fraction of benzene is 0.40.
What is the composition of the vapour phase if the vapour pressures of pure benzene and toluene
are 125 and 40 mm Hg?
Given: = 0.40, ° = 125 mmHg, ° = 40mmHg

RTF: and

°
Pbenzene = = (0.40)(125) = 50 mm Hg

=1-
= 1 – 0.40 = 0.60
°
Ptoluene = = (0.60)(40) = 24 mm Hg

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Ptotal = Psoln = Pbenzene + Ptoluene = 50 + 24 = 74 mm Hg

Pbenzene = x Psoln = 0.68

=1- = 1 – 0.68 = 0.32

Basic Question 12
11.4 Find Psoln from mole % of A and B, PA and PB given that A and B are both volatile -
What is the vapour pressure of a solution which is 30% by mol benzene, and 70 % toluene?
Vapour pressure of benzene is 125 mm Hg, and that of toluene is 40 mm Hg.
Given: 30% by mol benzene, and 70 % toluene, ° = 125 mmHg, ° = 40mmHg
RTF: Psoln
30% by mol benzene means Xbenzene = 0.30
70 % by mole toluene means Xtoluene = 0.70
° °
Psoln = Pbenzene + PToluene = + = (125)(0.30) + (40)(0.70) = 65.5 mm Hg

Basic Question 13
11.4 Find PA and PB from , and Psoln given that A and B are both volatile -
The mol fraction of liquid A, in a solution of A and B, is 0.40. The mol fraction of A in the
vapour phase above the solution is 0.59. Find vapour pressure of pure A and B, if the total
pressure of the solution is 102 mm Hg.
Given: = 0.40, = 0.59, Psoln = 102 mm Hg
RTF: PA and PB
.
PA = PA = Ptotal  PA = = = 150 mm Hg
.
.
PB = PB = Ptotal  PB = = = 69.7 mm Hg
.
Basic Question 14
Acetone and chloroform form solutions that exhibit negative deviations.
a) Represent the behavior of these two liquids on a diagram of vapor pressure vs.
mole fraction of each component of the solution.

vapor pressure of solution

XA
XB

11/9
b) What can you say about the acetone – chloroform attractions as compared to the
acetone – acetone or chloroform – chloroform attractions?
The acetone – chloroform attractions are stronger than the acetone – acetone or
chloroform – chloroform attractions
c) Compare the actual total pressure of the solution with the expected (calculated)
pressure.
The actual pressure is lower than expected (calculated).

Basic Question 15
Ethanol and chloroform form solutions that exhibit positive deviations.
a) Represent the behavior of these two liquids on a diagram of vapor pressure vs.
mole fraction of each component of the solution.

vapor pressure of solution

XA
XB

b) What can you say about the ethanol – chloroform attractions as compared to the
ethanol – ethanol or chloroform – chloroform attractions?
The ethanol – chloroform attractions are weaker than the ethanol – ethanol or chloroform
– chloroform attractions
c) Compare the actual total pressure of the solution with the expected (calculated)
pressure.
The actual pressure is higher than expected (calculated).

Basic Question 16
A solution of two liquids A and B was prepared in which the mole fraction of A
was 0.4. At the temperature of the experiment the vapor pressure of pure A was 200
and that of B was 125 mmHg. The total pressure of the solution was 145 mmHg. Is
the solution ideal? Explain your answer.
Given: XA = 0.4 ; PA = 200 mmHg
XB = 0.6 ; PB = 145 mmHg
Use Raoult’s law to find expected pressure:
Ptotal = XA PA + XB PB = (0.4)(200) + (0.6)(125) = 155 mmHg
Pressure observed (145 mmHg) is less than pressure expected (155 mmHg)
 The solution does not behave ideally.
There is a negative deviation that can be explained in terms of strong interaction which
lowers the tendency of these molecules to escape the solution.

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Basic Question 17
11.5 Find boiling point of a solution given mass of solute and mass of solvent T, G
10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 250g of water. Calculate the boiling point of
the solution. Kb = 0.51.
Given: msugar = 10 g, msolvent = 250 g, Kb = 0.51
RTF: boiling point
10
molality = 3 4 2  0 .1 1 7 m
0 .2 5 0
∆Tb = mKb = (0.117)(0.51) = 0.0596C  B.P. = 100.0597◦C

Basic Question 18
11.5 Find molecular weight of a non-electrolyte given its m, m of named solvent and Tb -
When a sample containing 0.50g of a compound when dissolved in 40g of CHCl3 raised the
boiling point by 0.40°C. What is the molar mass of the compound? Kb = 3.6.
Given: mcmpd = 0.50g, msolvent = 40g, Tb = 0.40C, Kb = 3.6
RTF: Mcompound
∆ .
∆Tb = mKb m= = 0.11
.
.
m= = = 0.11
.

Basic Question 19
11.6 Find osmotic pressure of a solution given mass of solute, volume of solution and t T, G
A sample containing 10.0g sugar (molar mass = 342) were dissolved in 250cm3 solution at 27
C. Calculate the osmotic pressure of the solution.
Given: msugar = 10.0g, Vsolution = 250ml, T =27 + 273 = 300K
RTF: 
10
 = CRT= ( 342 )(0.082)(273  27)  2.88atm
0.25

Basic Question 20
11.6 Find molar mass given osmotic pressure of a solution, mass of solute, volume of T, G
solution and t
A sample containing 0.5g of ethylene glycol were dissolved in 1dm3 solution at 27 C. The
osmotic pressure of the solution was 147 mmHg. Calculate the molar mass of ethylene
glycol.
Given: msolute = 0.5 g, Vsolution = 1 dm3, t = 27 + 273 = 300K, Psolution= 147 mmHg
RTF:M
 = CRT

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 n m π mRT (0.5)(0.082)(300)
C= = =  M= = = 63.6 g/mol
V MV RT πv  147 
  1
 760 

Basic Question 21
11.7 Find freezing point of a salt solution given mass of solute and mass of solvent T, G
A sample containing 0.585g NaCl were dissolved in 100g of water. Calculate the freezing
point of the solution. Assume that NaCl dissociates completely. Kf = 1.86.
Given: mNaCl = 0.585 g, mwater = 100 g, Kf = 1.86, i = 2
RTF: freezing point
.
.
∆Tf = miKf = iKf = iKf = (2)(1.86) = 0.327C
.
Freezing point = - 0.372 ◦C

Basic Question 22
11.7 Find van’t Hoff factor, given freezing point of a salt solution, mass of solute and mass T, G
of solvent
A sample containing 2.22g CaCl2 were dissolved in 250g of water. The freezing point of the
solution was found to be – 0.41 ◦C. Calculate the van’t Hoff factor of CaCl2. Kf = 1.86.
Given: msolute = 2.22 g, msolvent = 250 g, f.p. = - 0.41◦C, Kf = 1.86
RTF: i
∆Tf = miKf
ΔT f 0.41
i= = = 2.76
mKf 2.22
× 1.86
111
0.25

Basic Question 23
Answer the following questions, which refer to 100 ml aqueous solution of:
i) 0.10M NaCN iii) 0.10M C2H5OH
ii) 0.10M MgBr2 iv) 0.10M HF

11.7 Identify the solution with the lowest electrical conductivity from a list
a) Which solution has the lowest electrical conductivity? Explain.
C2H5OH.
It is a molecular compound producing no ions upon dissolving in water. No ions, no
conductivity.

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 11.7 Identify the solution with the lowest freezing point from a list
b) Which solution has the lowest freezing point? Explain.
0.10M MgBr2.
Freezing point depression is determined using the following

T = i Kfm
Kf and m are the same for all solutions
Tf depends on i.
i = 2 for NaCN
i = 3 for MgBr2
i = 1 for C2H5OH
1 < i < 2 for HF being a weak acid

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 Multiple Choice
11.4 Given which of two solutes is more volatile, compare the vapour pressure of an equimolar
solution of the two solutes to the pressure of the pure solutes
1. When benzene and toluene are mixed together, they form an ideal solution. Benzene is the
more volatile of the two liquids. The vapour pressure of an equimolar solution will be

[-A-] higher than the vapour pressure of pure benzene

[-B-] Equal to the vapour pressure of pure benzene
[-C-] Greater than the vapour pressure of pure toluene but less than the vapour
pressure of pure benzene.
[-D-] Equal to the vapour pressure of pure toluene
[-E-] Less than the vapour pressure of pure toluene

11.7 Know which properties can be used to determine molecular mass

2. The molecular mass of substance can be determined by measuring which of the following?

i. Osmotic pressure of a solution of the substance

ii. Freezing point depression of a solution of the substance
iii. Density of the gas (vapour) phase of the substance.

[-A-] I only
[-B-] III only
[-C-] I and II only
[-D-] II and III only
[-E-] I, II, and III

11.7 Know that molarity and density are temperature dependant

3. If the temperature of an aqueous solution of NaCl is increased from 20ºC to 90 ºC, which
of the following statements is true?

[-A-] The density of the solution remains unchanged

[-B-] The molarity of the solution remains unchanged
[-C-] The molality of solution remains unchanged
[-D-] The mole fraction of solute decreases
[-E-] The mole fraction of solute increases

11.7 Compare and explain conductivity difference between aq solutions of two given solutes

4. A 0.10 M aqueous solution of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, is a better conductor of electricity

than a 0.10 M aqueous solution of sodium chloride, NaCl. Which of the following best
explains this observation?
[-A-] Na2SO4 is more soluble in water than NaCl.

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 [-B-] Na2SO4 has a higher molar mass than NaCl has.
[-C-] To prepare a given volume of 0.10 M solution, the mass of Na2SO4 needed is
more than twice the mass of NaCl needed.
[-D-] More moles of ions are present in a given volume of 0.10 M Na2SO4 than in
the same volume of 0.10 M NaCl.
[-E-] The degree of dissociation of Na2SO4 is significantly greater than that of NaCl.

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