In a solution of a non-volatile solute, how does the vapor pressure compare to that of the pure solvent?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a solution of a non-volatile solute, how does the vapor pressure compare to that of the pure solvent?
Higher than the pure solvent
Lower than the pure solvent
Equal to the pure solvent
Depends on the temperature
The presence of a non-volatile solute lowers the vapor pressure of the solvent compared to that of the pure solvent.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a solution of a non-volatile solute, how does the vapor pressure compare to that of the pure solvent?
Solution: The presence of a non-volatile solute lowers the vapor pressure of the solvent compared to that of the pure solvent.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what vapor pressure is. Vapor pressure is the pressure of a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid form.
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 when a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, it does not contribute to the vapor pressure because it does not evaporate.
Step 4: Realize that the presence of the non-volatile solute means there are fewer solvent molecules at the surface that can escape into the vapor phase.
Step 5: Conclude that because there are fewer solvent molecules escaping, the vapor pressure of the solution is lower than that of the pure solvent.
