What is the vapor pressure of a solution containing a non-volatile solute compar
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the vapor pressure of a solution containing a non-volatile solute compared to the pure solvent?
Higher than the pure solvent
Lower than the pure solvent
Equal to the pure solvent
Unpredictable
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the vapor pressure of a solution containing a non-volatile solute compared to the pure solvent?
Step 1: Understand what vapor pressure is. Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by the vapor of a liquid when it is in equilibrium with its liquid phase.
Step 2: Know what a non-volatile solute is. A non-volatile solute is a substance that does not evaporate easily and does not contribute to vapor pressure.
Step 3: Recognize that when a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, it occupies space at the surface of the liquid.
Step 4: Realize that the presence of solute particles reduces the number of solvent molecules that can escape into the vapor phase.
Step 5: Conclude that because fewer solvent molecules can escape, the vapor pressure of the solution is lower than that of the pure solvent.
