What is the effect of adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent on its vapor pre

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Question: What is the effect of adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent on its vapor pressure? (2023)

Options:

Correct Answer: Decreases vapor pressure

Exam Year: 2023

Solution:

Adding a non-volatile solute decreases the vapor pressure of the solvent due to the solute particles occupying space at the surface.

What is the effect of adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent on its vapor pressure? (2023)

What is the effect of adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent on its vapor pressure? (2023)

Step 1: Understand what a solvent is. A solvent is a substance, usually a liquid, that dissolves a solute.
Step 2: Know what a non-volatile solute is. A non-volatile solute is a substance that does not easily evaporate into a gas.
Step 3: Recognize that vapor pressure is the pressure of the vapor above a liquid in a closed container.
Step 4: When a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, it does not evaporate, but it takes up space in the liquid.
Step 5: This means there are fewer solvent molecules at the surface of the liquid that can escape into the vapor phase.
Step 6: As a result, the overall vapor pressure of the solvent decreases because there are fewer molecules able to turn into vapor.

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