Q.Define the following terms:
Concept understanding — Types Of Solutions
Types of Solutions: From Everyday Life to Chemistry
You already know what a solution is — sugar dissolved in water, salt in water, even the air you breathe. But not all solutions behave the same way. Some dissolve easily, some refuse to dissolve beyond a point, and some can hold more solute than they normally should. That difference is what we classify as types of solutions based on how much solute is dissolved.
The Intuition: A Cup of Tea
Imagine making a cup of tea. You add one spoon of sugar — it dissolves completely. You add a second spoon — still dissolves. A third spoon — maybe it dissolves, maybe it doesn't. At some point, no matter how much you stir, the sugar just sits at the bottom.
That moment — when no more sugar dissolves — is the saturation point. Before that, you have an unsaturated solution. At that exact point, you have a saturated solution. And if you carefully heat the tea, dissolve more sugar, then cool it down without disturbing it — you might get a supersaturated solution, where more sugar stays dissolved than should be possible at that temperature.
That's the entire idea. Three types, defined by how much solute is dissolved relative to the maximum possible.
The Precise Statement
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of a solute (the substance being dissolved) and a solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). Based on the amount of solute dissolved relative to its solubility at a given temperature, solutions are classified into three types:
Types of Solutions (by saturation)
- Unsaturated solution — contains less solute than the maximum that can be dissolved at that temperature.
- Saturated solution — contains exactly the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at that temperature.
- Supersaturated solution — contains more solute than the maximum normally possible at that temperature (a metastable state).
Breaking Down Each Type
Unsaturated solution — the most common type. You can still add more solute and it will dissolve. The concentration is below the solubility limit. If you have a glass of water at room temperature and add a pinch of salt, you get an unsaturated solution. Add more salt — still unsaturated, until you hit the limit.
Saturated solution — the solute and undissolved solute are in dynamic equilibrium. At the molecular level, the rate at which solute particles dissolve equals the rate at which they crystallize out. No net change. If you keep adding salt to water and it stops dissolving, the liquid above the undissolved salt is a saturated solution. The concentration is fixed at the solubility value for that temperature.
A common mistake: thinking a saturated solution is always "thick" or "concentrated." Not true. Saturation depends on the solute's solubility. Lead(II) chloride saturates at about 0.45 g per 100 mL water — that's a very dilute saturated solution. Saturation ≠ high concentration.
Supersaturated solution — this is a tricky one. You create it by heating the solvent, dissolving more solute than normally possible, then carefully cooling it. The excess solute stays dissolved because there's no nucleation site (no scratch, no dust particle) to trigger crystallization. It's unstable — the slightest disturbance (a dust speck, a scratch on the glass, even a sudden jolt) causes the excess solute to crystallize out instantly.
Supersaturated solutions are the reason "hot ice" (sodium acetate) hand warmers work. You click a metal disc inside, which creates a nucleation site, and the entire solution crystallizes in seconds, releasing heat.
A Quick Comparison
| Type | Solute amount vs. solubility | Can more solute dissolve? | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsaturated | Less than maximum | Yes | Stable |
| Saturated | Equal to maximum | No (at equilibrium) | Stable |
| Supersaturated | More than maximum | No (excess will crystallize) | Metastable |
Why This Matters
In exams, you'll often be asked to identify the type of solution from a given scenario — like "50 g of salt dissolved in 100 g water at 30°C, given solubility is 36 g per 100 g water." That's a supersaturated solution (50 > 36). Or you might be asked what happens when you add a seed crystal to a supersaturated solution — it triggers crystallization.
The key is always: compare the actual amount dissolved to the solubility at that temperature. That single comparison gives you the type.
Solubility is temperature-dependent. A solution that is saturated at 20°C becomes unsaturated if heated to 50°C (because solubility usually increases with temperature). Always check the temperature condition given in the problem.
Searches such as "types of solutions saturated unsaturated supersaturated" and "solutions class 12 chemistry notes" align directly with the Solutions chapter of the NCERT/CBSE Class 12 Chemistry curriculum. Identifying which type a given scenario describes is a common short-answer question in board exams.
Why this formula?
Types of Solutions: Why the Key Formulae Hold
Understanding why the formulae work is essential for Indian exams (JEE, NEET, CBSE). Let's break down the reasoning behind the most important relationships.
1. The Basic Classification: What Makes a Solution?
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The key idea is intermolecular forces between solute and solvent particles.
- Ideal Solution: Solute-solvent interactions are identical to solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions. Why? No net energy change on mixing — the molecules "fit" perfectly.
- Non-Ideal Solution: Interactions differ, leading to deviation from Raoult's law.
2. Raoult's Law: The Foundation
Formula:
Psolution=xsolvent⋅Psolvent0
Why does this hold?
Imagine a pure solvent surface. The vapour pressure P0 comes from molecules escaping the liquid. When you add a non-volatile solute, solute molecules occupy some surface area, blocking solvent molecules from escaping.
- The fraction of surface available to solvent = mole fraction of solvent (xsolvent).
- Therefore, the rate of escape (vapour pressure) is proportional to that fraction:
Psolution∝xsolvent
- At the limit xsolvent=1, Psolution=P0, so the constant is P0.
Key insight: Raoult's law is a surface-area argument, not a volume argument.
3. Relative Lowering of Vapour Pressure
Formula:
P0P0−P=xsolute
Derivation in one line:
From Raoult's law:
P=xsolvent⋅P0
Since xsolvent+xsolute=1,
P=(1−xsolute)P0
⇒P0−P=xsolute⋅P0
⇒P0P0−P=xsolute
Why is this useful?
It depends only on the mole fraction of solute, not on its identity — making it a colligative property.
4. Elevation of Boiling Point
Formula:
ΔTb=Kb⋅m
Why does boiling point rise?
- Boiling occurs when vapour pressure = atmospheric pressure.
- Adding a non-volatile solute lowers vapour pressure (Raoult's law).
- To reach atmospheric pressure again, you must raise the temperature.
- The shift ΔTb is proportional to the molality m (moles of solute per kg of solvent), because:
- More solute → greater vapour pressure lowering → more temperature needed.
- Kb (ebullioscopic constant) is a property of the solvent only.
5. Depression of Freezing Point
Formula:
ΔTf=Kf⋅m
Why does freezing point drop?
- At the freezing point, solid and liquid solvent are in equilibrium.
- Adding solute disrupts this equilibrium — solute molecules interfere with the orderly crystal formation of the solvent.
- To re-establish equilibrium, you must lower the temperature.
- Again, ΔTf∝m, and Kf depends only on the solvent.
Common exam trap: Both ΔTb and ΔTf are colligative — they depend on number of solute particles, not their nature.
6. Osmotic Pressure
Formula:
Π=i⋅C⋅R⋅T
Why does this hold?
- Osmosis is the net movement of solvent from low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane.
- The solvent moves to dilute the higher concentration — this is a entropy-driven process (mixing increases disorder).
- Osmotic pressure Π is the external pressure needed to stop this flow.
- It behaves like an ideal gas law for solute particles:
ΠV=nRT⇒Π=VnRT=CRT
- The van't Hoff factor i accounts for dissociation/association of solute (e.g., NaCl gives i≈2).
7. The van't Hoff Factor i
Formula:
i=expected colligative propertyobserved colligative property
Why is i needed?
- Colligative properties depend on number of particles.
- If a solute dissociates (e.g., NaCl→Na++Cl−), the effective particle count doubles.
- If it associates (e.g., benzoic acid in benzene forms dimers), the count halves.
- i corrects for this:
ΔTf=i⋅Kf⋅m
Quick Summary Table
| Property | Formula | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Raoult's law | P=xsolventP0 | Surface area blocking by solute |
| Relative lowering | P0ΔP=xsolute | Direct algebraic consequence |
| Boiling point elevation | ΔTb=Kbm | Need higher temp to overcome vapour pressure drop |
| Freezing point depression | ΔTf=Kfm | Solute disrupts crystal formation |
| Osmotic pressure | Π=iCRT | Analogy to ideal gas law for solute particles |
Final takeaway: Every formula in "Types of Solutions" flows from Raoult's law (for vapour pressure) and the particle-counting principle (for colligative properties). Understand these two roots, and you can reconstruct the rest.
Concept: Types of Solutions — Concentration Units
These four terms are different ways to express the concentration of a solution — the amount of solute present in a given amount of solvent or solution.
(i) Mole fraction (x)
The ratio of the number of moles of one component to the total number of moles of all components in the solution.
For a two-component solution:
xsolute=nsolute+nsolventnsolute
(ii) Molality (m)
The number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent.
m=mass of solvent (in kg)moles of solute
(iii) Molarity (M)
The number of moles of solute per litre of solution.
M=volume of solution (in L)moles of solute
(iv) Mass percentage (%w/w)
The mass of solute per 100 g of solution.
Mass %=mass of solutionmass of solute×100
Mole fraction is the ratio of moles of a component to total moles; molality is moles of solute per kg of solvent; molarity is moles of solute per litre of solution; mass percentage is grams of solute per 100 g of solution.
These four terms are different ways to express the concentration of a solution — each is a ratio of some quantity of solute to some quantity of solution or solvent. Mole fraction is a dimensionless ratio of moles; molality uses moles of solute per kg of solvent; molarity uses moles per litre of solution; mass percentage is grams of solute per 100 g of solution.
The Big Idea: Why So Many Concentration Units?
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of a solute (the substance being dissolved) and a solvent (the substance doing the dissolving). To describe how much solute is present, we need a concentration unit. But different situations call for different units — some depend on temperature (volume changes with temperature), some don't; some are convenient for lab work, others for theoretical calculations. These four terms cover the most common ones you'll encounter in physical chemistry.
Let's define each one clearly, with the formula and a concrete example.
1. Mole Fraction (x)
Definition: The mole fraction of a component is the ratio of the number of moles of that component to the total number of moles of all components in the solution.
Formula:
For a solution containing two components A (solute) and B (solvent):
xA=nA+nBnA,xB=nA+nBnB
where nA and nB are the number of moles of A and B respectively. Note that xA+xB=1.
Why it's useful: Mole fraction is dimensionless and does not depend on temperature or pressure. It's used extensively in Raoult's law, vapour pressure calculations, and thermodynamics of solutions.
Example:
If you dissolve 1 mole of glucose in 9 moles of water, the mole fraction of glucose is:
xglucose=1+91=0.1
and the mole fraction of water is 0.9.
A common mistake is to confuse mole fraction with mass fraction. Mole fraction uses moles, not grams. Always convert masses to moles first.
2. Molality (m)
Definition: Molality is the number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 kilogram (1000 g) of solvent.
Formula:
m=mass of solvent in kgmoles of solute
Why it's useful: Molality is temperature-independent because it uses mass of solvent, not volume. This makes it ideal for colligative properties (boiling point elevation, freezing point depression) where temperature changes are involved.
Example:
If you dissolve 0.5 moles of NaCl in 250 g of water, the molality is:
m=0.250 kg0.5 mol=2.0 mol/kg
Molality is often denoted by the symbol m (italic) and has units of mol/kg. Don't confuse it with molarity (M). A 1 molal solution is written as "1 m".
3. Molarity (M)
Definition: Molarity is the number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 litre (1 L) of solution.
Formula:
M=volume of solution in litresmoles of solute
Why it's useful: Molarity is the most common concentration unit in the lab because it's easy to prepare — you measure a volume of solution. However, it depends on temperature because volume expands/contracts with temperature.
Example:
If you dissolve 2 moles of NaOH in enough water to make 0.5 L of solution, the molarity is:
M=0.5 L2 mol=4 M
Molarity uses volume of solution, not volume of solvent. When you prepare a solution, you dissolve the solute and then add solvent until the total volume reaches the mark. Never add solute to a fixed volume of solvent — that gives a different concentration.
4. Mass Percentage (%w/w)
Definition: Mass percentage (or weight/weight percentage) is the mass of solute expressed as a percentage of the total mass of the solution.
Formula:
Mass percentage=mass of solutionmass of solute×100%
Why it's useful: It's simple, intuitive, and temperature-independent. Commonly used in everyday chemistry (e.g., "10% salt solution" means 10 g salt in 90 g water, total 100 g solution).
Example:
If you dissolve 20 g of sugar in 80 g of water, the mass percentage of sugar is:
20+8020×100%=20%
Mass percentage is also called "weight percent" or "% w/w". Don't confuse it with volume percentage (% v/v), which uses volumes instead of masses.
Quick Comparison Table
| Term | Symbol | Formula | Units | Temperature Dependent? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mole fraction | x | ntotalnsolute | None (dimensionless) | No |
| Molality | m | mass of solvent (kg)nsolute | mol/kg | No |
| Molarity | M | volume of solution (L)nsolute | mol/L | Yes |
| Mass percentage | % | mass of solutionmass of solute×100 | % | No |
The four terms are defined as: (i) Mole fraction is the ratio of moles of a component to total moles; (ii) Molality is moles of solute per kg of solvent; (iii) Molarity is moles of solute per litre of solution; (iv) Mass percentage is the mass of solute as a percentage of total solution mass.
Here is a clear, concept-first explanation of the four key concentration terms, structured as requested.
Method: Definition + Formula + Interpretation
This method ensures you understand what the term means (the concept), how to calculate it (the formula), and why it is useful (the interpretation). For exams, always write the formula first, then the definition in words.
(i) Mole Fraction (x)
Concept: It tells you the proportion of one component’s moles relative to the total moles of all components in the mixture. It is a unitless number.
Steps:
- Find the number of moles of the component of interest (nA).
- Find the total number of moles of all components in the mixture (ntotal=nA+nB+...).
- Apply the formula:
xA=ntotalnA
Key Exam Point: The sum of mole fractions of all components is always 1.
xA+xB+...=1
(ii) Molality (m)
Concept: It measures the concentration in terms of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent. It is temperature-independent because it uses mass, not volume.
Steps:
- Find the number of moles of solute (nsolute).
- Find the mass of the solvent in kilograms (Wsolvent in kg).
- Apply the formula:
m=Wsolvent (in kg)nsolute
Common Mistake: Do not include the mass of the solute in the denominator. The denominator is only the solvent mass.
(iii) Molarity (M)
Concept: It measures the concentration in terms of moles of solute per litre of solution. It is temperature-dependent because volume changes with temperature.
Steps:
- Find the number of moles of solute (nsolute).
- Find the total volume of the solution in litres (Vsolution in L).
- Apply the formula:
M=Vsolution (in L)nsolute
Key Exam Point: Molarity is the most common unit for reactions in solution, but remember it changes with temperature.
(iv) Mass Percentage (% w/w)
Concept: It tells you the mass of solute present in 100 grams of the solution. It is a simple, practical ratio.
Steps:
- Find the mass of the solute (Wsolute).
- Find the total mass of the solution (Wsolution=Wsolute+Wsolvent).
- Apply the formula:
Mass %=WsolutionWsolute×100
Example: A 10% (w/w) sugar solution means 10 g of sugar is dissolved in 90 g of water (total 100 g solution).
Quick Comparison Table (for revision)
| Term | Symbol | Formula | Depends on Temp? | Key Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mole Fraction | x | ntotalnA | No | Unitless |
| Molality | m | Wsolvent(kg)nsolute | No | mol/kg |
| Molarity | M | Vsolution(L)nsolute | Yes | mol/L |
| Mass % | % | WsolutionWsolute×100 | No | % (w/w) |
Final Tip for Exams: When a question asks for "molality," immediately write the formula m=n/Wsolvent(kg) and then identify the solvent. This prevents the common error of using the solution's volume or mass in the denominator.
Here are the common mistakes students make when defining and working with Mole fraction, Molality, Molarity, and Mass percentage, along with clear strategies to avoid them.
1. Confusing Molality (m) with Molarity (M)
The Mistake:
Students often swap the definitions. They write molality as moles of solute per litre of solution (which is actually molarity) or vice versa.
How to Avoid:
Remember the key word in each name:
- Molality = moles of solute per kilogram of solvent (mass of solvent, not solution).
- Molarity = moles of solute per litre of solution (total volume).
Mnemonic: "Molality has an 'l' — think 'litre'? No! Molality has an 'a' — think 'mass' (kg of solvent)."
Correct Definitions:
- Molality (m):
m=mass of solvent (in kg)moles of solute
- Molarity (M):
M=volume of solution (in L)moles of solute
2. Forgetting the Denominator in Mole Fraction
The Mistake:
Students write mole fraction of a component as moles of that component divided by moles of solvent only, instead of total moles of all components.
How to Avoid:
Always sum the moles of every substance present (solute + solvent + any other solutes).
Correct Definition:
- Mole fraction (xi) of component i:
xi=ntotalni=moles of all componentsmoles of i
Check: For a binary solution, xsolute+xsolvent=1.
3. Using Volume Instead of Mass for Molality
The Mistake:
Using the volume of solvent (in mL or L) instead of its mass in kg. This is wrong because molality depends on mass, not volume (volume changes with temperature).
How to Avoid:
Convert the volume of solvent to mass using density (mass=volume×density), then convert grams to kilograms.
Example:
If you have 500 mL of water (density ≈ 1 g/mL), mass of solvent = 500 g = 0.5 kg.
4. Ignoring Temperature Dependence of Molarity
The Mistake:
Treating molarity as a constant when temperature changes. Volume expands/contracts with temperature, so molarity changes — but molality and mole fraction do not.
How to Avoid:
- Use molarity only when temperature is fixed (e.g., room temperature experiments).
- For problems involving temperature changes, prefer molality or mole fraction.
5. Writing Mass Percentage with Wrong Denominator
The Mistake:
Using only the mass of solvent in the denominator, or forgetting to multiply by 100.
How to Avoid:
Mass percentage is always part per whole, multiplied by 100.
Correct Definition:
- Mass percentage (w/w%):
Mass %=mass of solutionmass of solute×100
Note: Mass of solution = mass of solute + mass of solvent.
6. Mixing Up Units in Numerical Problems
The Mistake:
Using grams instead of kilograms for molality, or mL instead of L for molarity, without conversion.
How to Avoid:
Always write the units explicitly in your formula before plugging numbers:
- Molality: moles / kg solvent
- Molarity: moles / L solution
- Mass percentage: (g solute / g solution) × 100 (any mass unit, as long as consistent)
Quick Summary Table
| Term | Formula | Key Unit | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mole fraction | xi=∑nni | unitless | Denominator = only solvent moles |
| Molality | m=kg solventnsolute | mol/kg | Using volume instead of mass |
| Molarity | M=L solutionnsolute | mol/L | Confusing with molality; ignoring temperature |
| Mass percentage | mass solutionmass solute×100 | % | Denominator = solvent mass only |
Final Tip for Exams:
When you see a definition question, write the formula first — then state what each symbol means. This forces you to check the denominator and units before you write the final answer.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.The system that forms maximum boiling azeotrope is: (A) Benzene-toluene (B) Carbon-di-sulphide-acetone (C) Ethyl alcohol-water (D) Acetone-chloroform
›Reveal solutionSolution
A maximum‑boiling azeotrope forms when the solution’s vapour pressure is lower than Raoult’s law predicts (negative deviation), so the boiling point is higher than either pure component. Among the given pairs, only acetone‑chloroform shows strong negative deviation due to hydrogen bonding, making (D) the correct answer.
Concept and Intuition
An azeotrope is a mixture that boils at a constant composition because the vapour has the same composition as the liquid. For a maximum‑boiling azeotrope, the boiling point of the mixture is higher than that of either pure component. This happens when the intermolecular attractions between the two different molecules are stronger than those in the pure liquids — a situation called negative deviation from Raoult’s law. The stronger cross‑attractions make it harder for molecules to escape into the vapour, lowering the vapour pressure and raising the boiling point.
The key is to identify which pair forms such strong cross‑interactions. Let’s examine each option.
Step‑by‑Step Reasoning
-
Option (A): Benzene‑toluene
Benzene and toluene are both non‑polar hydrocarbons with similar structures. Their intermolecular forces (dispersion forces) are nearly identical, so the mixture behaves almost ideally — no significant deviation from Raoult’s law. No azeotrope forms; the boiling point lies between those of the pure components.
→ Not a maximum‑boiling azeotrope.
-
Option (B): Carbon disulphide‑acetone
Carbon disulphide (CS2) is non‑polar, while acetone (CH3COCH3) is polar. Mixing them disrupts the dipole‑dipole interactions in acetone, making it easier for molecules to escape. This gives a positive deviation from Raoult’s law (higher vapour pressure, lower boiling point). Such systems form minimum‑boiling azeotropes, not maximum‑boiling ones.
→ Incorrect.
-
Option (C): Ethyl alcohol‑water
Ethanol and water both form strong hydrogen bonds. However, when mixed, the hydrogen‑bond network in each pure liquid is partially broken, and the cross‑hydrogen bonds (ethanol‑water) are weaker than the sum of the pure‑liquid interactions. This leads to a positive deviation (higher vapour pressure, lower boiling point). Ethanol‑water indeed forms a minimum‑boiling azeotrope (boiling point ~78.2 °C, lower than both pure ethanol and water).
→ Incorrect.
-
Option (D): Acetone‑chloroform
Acetone (CH3COCH3) has a carbonyl oxygen with lone pairs; chloroform (CHCl3) has a hydrogen attached to three electronegative chlorines. The hydrogen in chloroform is sufficiently acidic to form a hydrogen bond with the oxygen of acetone:
CHCl3⋯O=C(CH3)2
This cross‑hydrogen bond is stronger than the dipole‑dipole interactions in pure acetone or pure chloroform. As a result, the vapour pressure of the mixture is lower than predicted by Raoult’s law (negative deviation), and the boiling point is higher than either pure component. The system forms a maximum‑boiling azeotrope at about 64.5 °C (pure acetone boils at 56 °C, pure chloroform at 61 °C).
→ Correct.
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that any mixture of polar compounds with hydrogen‑bonding ability will give a maximum‑boiling azeotrope. In fact, ethanol‑water (both hydrogen‑bond donors and acceptors) gives a minimum‑boiling azeotrope because the cross‑bonds are weaker. The key is whether the cross‑interaction is stronger than the average of the pure‑component interactions — as in acetone‑chloroform, where one molecule is a strong donor and the other a strong acceptor.
TipA quick mental check: maximum‑boiling azeotropes often involve a proton donor (like chloroform, CHCl3, or water) and a proton acceptor (like acetone, a ketone) that form a specific, strong hydrogen bond. If the mixture shows negative deviation from Raoult’s law, it’s a candidate.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
-
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.When 1 mole of benzene is mixed with 1 mole of toluene, the vapours will contain (A) Higher percentage of benzene (B) Equal mass of benzene and toluene since it is an ideal solution (C) Higher percentage of toluene (D) Equal number of moles of benzene and toluene since it is an ideal solution
›Reveal solutionSolution
In an ideal solution of benzene and toluene, the more volatile component (benzene) enriches the vapour phase, so the vapour contains a higher percentage of benzene. The correct option is (A).
Concept & Intuition
Benzene and toluene form an ideal solution (Raoult’s law holds). At a given temperature, benzene has a higher vapour pressure than toluene — it is more volatile. When a liquid mixture evaporates, the vapour is richer in the more volatile component. This is the key idea behind distillation: the vapour composition differs from the liquid composition. Here, with equal moles in the liquid, the vapour will not be 50:50; it will be skewed toward benzene.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Identify the vapour pressures
At 25 °C, pure benzene has vapour pressure PB0≈95.1 mm Hg, and pure toluene has PT0≈28.4 mm Hg. (Exact values depend on temperature, but the key is PB0>PT0.)
-
Apply Raoult’s law for the liquid mixture
For 1 mole each, mole fractions in the liquid are xB=0.5 and xT=0.5.
Partial pressures above the liquid:
PB=xBPB0=0.5×95.1=47.55 mm Hg
PT=xTPT0=0.5×28.4=14.2 mm Hg
- Find the vapour composition The total pressure Ptotal=PB+PT=61.75 mm Hg. Mole fraction of benzene in the vapour (yB) is given by Dalton’s law:
yB=PtotalPB=61.7547.55≈0.77
So the vapour is about 77 % benzene and 23 % toluene.
- Interpret the result Even though the liquid had equal moles, the vapour contains a higher percentage of benzene. This is a general property: the vapour is always enriched in the more volatile component.
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that an ideal solution gives identical liquid and vapour compositions. That is false — ideality means Raoult’s law holds, not that compositions are equal. The vapour composition depends on the relative volatilities.
TipFor a binary ideal solution, the vapour mole fraction of the more volatile component is always greater than its liquid mole fraction. This is the basis of fractional distillation.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
-
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.At 300 K the vapour pressure of an ideal solution containing 1.0 mole each of volatile liquids X and Y is 1000 mm . Keeping the temperature constant, when 2.0 moles of liquid X is added to the solution, its vapour pressure increases by 200 mm . Calculate the vapour pressure of X and Y in their pure state (A) PX0=1400PY0=600 (B) PX0=1700PY0=400 (C) PX0=1200PY0=480 (D) PX0=1000PY0=500
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using Raoult’s law for an ideal solution, we set up two equations from the two given conditions (initial and after adding more X) and solve for the pure vapour pressures. The result is PX0=1200 mm and PY0=600 mm, which corresponds to option (A).
Concept & Intuition
Raoult’s law states that for an ideal solution, the partial vapour pressure of each component equals its mole fraction times its pure vapour pressure. The total vapour pressure is the sum of these partial pressures. Here we have two different compositions (before and after adding extra X), each giving a total pressure. That gives two linear equations in the two unknowns PX0 and PY0. Solving them is straightforward — no tricks, just careful algebra.
Step-by-step solution
- Initial condition Moles of X = 1, moles of Y = 1 → total moles = 2. Mole fractions:
xX=21,xY=21
Total vapour pressure Ptotal=1000 mm.
By Raoult’s law:
Ptotal=xXPX0+xYPY0=21PX0+21PY0
Multiply by 2:
PX0+PY0=2000(Equation 1)
- After adding 2.0 moles of X New moles: X = 1 + 2 = 3, Y = 1 (unchanged) → total moles = 4. New mole fractions:
xX′=43,xY′=41
Vapour pressure increases by 200 mm, so new total pressure = 1000+200=1200 mm.
Raoult’s law gives:
1200=43PX0+41PY0
Multiply by 4:
4800=3PX0+PY0(Equation 2)
- Solve the system Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 2:
(3PX0+PY0)−(PX0+PY0)=4800−2000
2PX0=2800⇒PX0=1400 mm
Substitute into Equation 1:
1400+PY0=2000⇒PY0=600 mm
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the total pressure increases by 200 mm, not becomes 200 mm. Always read “increases by” as addition to the original value.
TipNotice that the sum PX0+PY0 is fixed by the first condition (2000 mm). The second condition then gives a weighted sum that lets you isolate each value cleanly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.Two volatile liquids X and Y form an ideal solution at 298 K and have vapour pressures equal to 100 mm and 200 mm of Hg respectively in their pure state. The mole fraction of X in the solution is 0.4 and the mole fraction of Y in the vapour phase is a/20. Calculate the value of a. (A) 25 (B) 15 (C) 10 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using Raoult’s law for an ideal solution and Dalton’s law for the vapour phase, the mole fraction of Y in the vapour is found to be 0.75, which equals a/20; solving gives a=15.
Concept & Intuition
For an ideal solution of two volatile liquids, the vapour above the solution is not simply the same composition as the liquid. Instead, the more volatile component (higher pure vapour pressure) enriches the vapour. Raoult’s law gives the partial pressure of each component in the vapour:
PX=xXPX∘,PY=xYPY∘
where x is the mole fraction in the liquid and P∘ is the pure vapour pressure. Dalton’s law then tells us the total pressure is the sum of partial pressures, and the mole fraction of a component in the vapour is its partial pressure divided by the total pressure. So we can compute the vapour composition directly from the liquid composition and pure vapour pressures.
Step-by-step solution
-
Identify given data
- Pure vapour pressures: PX∘=100 mm Hg, PY∘=200 mm Hg
- Mole fraction of X in the liquid: xX=0.4
- Since it’s a binary solution, xY=1−xX=0.6
- Mole fraction of Y in the vapour is given as 20a.
-
Apply Raoult’s law to find partial pressures
PX=xXPX∘=0.4×100=40 mm Hg
PY=xYPY∘=0.6×200=120 mm Hg
- Find total vapour pressure
Ptotal=PX+PY=40+120=160 mm Hg
- Compute mole fraction of Y in the vapour By Dalton’s law, the mole fraction of Y in the vapour phase is:
yY=PtotalPY=160120=0.75
- Relate to the given expression The problem states yY=20a. Therefore:
20a=0.75⇒a=20×0.75=15
TipA quick check: Since Y is more volatile (higher P∘), its vapour mole fraction (0.75) is indeed larger than its liquid mole fraction (0.6) — always true for the more volatile component in an ideal solution.
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse liquid mole fractions with vapour mole fractions. Here, xY=0.6 is not the vapour composition; you must compute yY via partial pressures.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
-
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.A non-volatile solute A weighing 60 g when dissolved in 212 g of the solvent Xylene reduces its vapour pressure to 60%. What is the Molar mass of A in g/mol ? [MM of xylene =106 g/mol ] (A) 56 (B) 126 (C) 60 (D) 45
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that the relative lowering of vapour pressure equals the mole fraction of the solute. Using the given 60% reduction, we set up the mole fraction equation and solve for the molar mass of A, obtaining 60 g/mol.
Concept & Intuition
When a non-volatile solute is dissolved in a solvent, the vapour pressure of the solution is lower than that of the pure solvent. Raoult’s law tells us that the relative lowering of vapour pressure is exactly equal to the mole fraction of the solute. Here, the vapour pressure is reduced to 60% of its original value — meaning the lowering is 40% of the original. That fraction directly gives the mole fraction of solute, and from there we can find its molar mass.
Step-by-step solution
- Interpret the vapour pressure reduction Let P0 be the vapour pressure of pure xylene. The problem says the vapour pressure is reduced to 60% of P0. So the new vapour pressure P=0.60P0. The lowering of vapour pressure is:
ΔP=P0−P=P0−0.60P0=0.40P0
Hence the relative lowering is:
P0ΔP=0.40
- Apply Raoult’s law for a non-volatile solute For a dilute solution of a non-volatile solute, Raoult’s law states:
P0ΔP=xsolute
where xsolute is the mole fraction of the solute. Therefore:
xsolute=0.40
-
Express mole fraction in terms of masses and molar masses
Let MA be the molar mass of solute A (in g/mol).
Mass of solute = 60 g → moles of solute = MA60.
Mass of solvent (xylene) = 212 g, molar mass of xylene = 106 g/mol → moles of solvent = 106212=2.00 mol.
The mole fraction of solute is:
xsolute=moles of solute+moles of solventmoles of solute=MA60+2.0060/MA
- Set up the equation and solve We know xsolute=0.40, so:
MA60+260/MA=0.40
Multiply both sides by the denominator:
MA60=0.40(MA60+2)
MA60=MA24+0.80
Subtract MA24 from both sides:
MA36=0.80
Hence:
MA=0.8036=45 g/mol
Watch outA common mistake is to think “reduced to 60%” means the lowering is 60%. But “reduced to 60%” means the final pressure is 60% of the original, so the lowering is 40%. Using 60% as the mole fraction would give a different (wrong) answer.
TipNotice that the moles of solvent came out as a nice round number (2.00 mol). This often happens in well-designed problems — it’s a clue that you’re on the right track.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.The system that forms minimum boiling azeotrope is : (A) Phenol-Aniline (B) Ethyl alcohol - Water (C) Acetone-Chloroform (D) Nitric Acid - Water
›Reveal solutionSolution
A minimum-boiling azeotrope arises from a positive deviation from Raoult's law. Ethanol–water is the textbook example; phenol–aniline, acetone–chloroform and nitric acid–water all show negative deviations and form maximum-boiling azeotropes.
Minimum-boiling azeotropes form in solutions showing positive deviation (weaker A–B interactions than A–A/B–B, higher vapour pressure, lower boiling point).
- (A) Phenol–aniline: strong O–H···N hydrogen bonding between components → negative deviation → maximum-boiling.
- (B) Ethyl alcohol–water: positive deviation → minimum-boiling azeotrope (≈95.6% ethanol by mass).
- (C) Acetone–chloroform: new H-bond (C–H···O) between them → negative deviation → maximum-boiling.
- (D) Nitric acid–water: negative deviation → maximum-boiling azeotrope (≈68% HNO3).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — Ethyl alcohol - Water
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.Which of the following shows negative deviation from Raoult's law? (A) Benzene-acetone (B) Benzene-chloroform (C) Benzene-ethanol (D) Benzene-carbon tetrachloride
›Reveal solutionSolution
Negative deviation occurs when the new A–B interactions are stronger than the average of A–A and B–B interactions. Among the pairs listed, benzene–chloroform develops extra attraction (weak C–H···π interaction), lowering vapour pressure — a negative deviation.
Negative deviation from Raoult's law ⇒ observed vapour pressure lower than ideal, arising when solute–solvent attractions exceed solvent–solvent and solute–solute attractions.
Evaluating the mixtures:
- Benzene–acetone: breaks acetone's dipole interactions; weaker new forces ⇒ positive deviation.
- Benzene–chloroform: chloroform's acidic C–H forms a weak attractive interaction with the benzene π-cloud, giving stronger A–B forces ⇒ negative deviation.
- Benzene–ethanol: disrupts ethanol H-bonding ⇒ positive deviation.
- Benzene–CCl4: similar non-polar molecules ⇒ nearly ideal / slight positive deviation.
Hence benzene–chloroform is the negative-deviation system.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — Benzene-chloroform.
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.Which among the following forms minimum boiling azeotropes?(i) Heptane + Octane(ii) Water + Nitric acid(iii) Ethanol + Water(iv) Acetone + Carbon dioxide (A) (i), (ii),(iv) (B) (i),(ii) only (C) (i), (iii),(iv) (D)(iv) only
›Reveal solutionSolution
So the genuine minimum-boiling pairs are (iii) and (iv). Option (ii) is definitely excluded (it is maximum boiling), which rules out options (A) and (B). Option (D) omits ethanol + water, the canonical minimum-boiling azeotrope. The only option containing both (iii) and (iv) is (C).
Concept: Azeotropes. A minimum-boiling azeotrope is formed by solutions showing a LARGE POSITIVE deviation from Raoult's law; a maximum-boiling azeotrope by solutions showing a large negative deviation.
- Heptane + octane: chemically very similar, near-ideal solution - strictly no azeotrope at all.
- Water + nitric acid: strong H-bonding/interaction -> negative deviation -> MAXIMUM boiling azeotrope (not minimum).
- Ethanol + water: the textbook example of a positive deviation -> MINIMUM boiling azeotrope (95% ethanol, 351.1 K). YES.
- Acetone + carbon disulphide (printed here as 'carbon dioxide' - the standard NCERT pair is acetone + CS2): positive deviation -> MINIMUM boiling azeotrope. YES.
So the genuine minimum-boiling pairs are (iii) and (iv). Option (ii) is definitely excluded (it is maximum boiling), which rules out options (A) and (B). Option (D) omits ethanol + water, the canonical minimum-boiling azeotrope. The only option containing both (iii) and (iv) is (C).
ANSWER: C✓Final answer
The correct option is (C) — (i), (iii), (iv)
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.Which of the following is correct mixture of azeotrope? (A) Chlorobenzene + bromobenzene (B) C2H5Br + C2H5Cl (C) C6H14 + C7H16 (D) CCl4 + CHCl3
›Reveal solutionSolution
- Chlorobenzene + bromobenzene: nearly ideal (very similar structures) - no azeotrope - C2H5Br + C2H5Cl: nearly ideal - no azeotrope - n-hexane + n-heptane: classic ideal solution - no azeotrope - CCl4 + CHCl3: shows a measurable (positive) deviation from Raoult's law because CHCl3-CHCl3 / CCl4-CCl4 interactions differ from the mixed ones; this pair is the non-ideal one and forms an azeotropic mixture.
Concept: Azeotropes form only from NON-IDEAL solutions (those showing appreciable positive or negative deviation from Raoult's law). Ideal solutions never form azeotropes.
- Chlorobenzene + bromobenzene: nearly ideal (very similar structures) - no azeotrope
- C2H5Br + C2H5Cl: nearly ideal - no azeotrope
- n-hexane + n-heptane: classic ideal solution - no azeotrope
- CCl4 + CHCl3: shows a measurable (positive) deviation from Raoult's law because CHCl3-CHCl3 / CCl4-CCl4 interactions differ from the mixed ones; this pair is the non-ideal one and forms an azeotropic mixture.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — CCl4 + CHCl3
ANSWER: D
- KCET 2019Set A-11 markMCQQ.Solution 'A' contains acetone dissolved in chloroform and solution 'B' contains acetone dissolved in carbon disulphide. The type of deviations from Raoult's law shown by solutions A and B, respectively are (A) positive and positive (B) negative and negative (C) positive and negative (D) negative and positive
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compare the A–B interaction with the A–A and B–B interactions: stronger A–B ⇒ negative deviation (acetone/chloroform), weaker A–B ⇒ positive deviation (acetone/CS2).
Step 1 — The rule behind Raoult's-law deviations.
For a solution of A and B, let A−B be the new solute–solvent interaction and A−A, B−B the interactions in the pure liquids.
Comparison Escaping tendency Vapour pressure Deviation ΔmixH, ΔmixV A−B stronger decreases p<pRaoult Negative <0 (exothermic), <0 A−B weaker increases p>pRaoult Positive >0 (endothermic), >0 Step 2 — Solution A: acetone + chloroform.
Chloroform's C–H bond is strongly polarised by its three electronegative chlorine atoms, so its hydrogen is acidic enough to form a genuine hydrogen bond with the lone pair on the carbonyl oxygen of acetone:
ClX3C−H ⋯O=C(CHX3)X2
This A−B attraction is stronger than the dipole–dipole forces present in either pure liquid. The molecules are therefore held back from the vapour phase, the total vapour pressure falls below the Raoult prediction ⇒ negative deviation (this pair also forms a maximum-boiling azeotrope).
Step 3 — Solution B: acetone + carbon disulphide.
CS2 is a linear, non-polar molecule (its two C=S bond dipoles cancel), so it can offer only weak dispersion forces to acetone. Mixing it with acetone breaks the relatively strong dipole–dipole attractions between acetone molecules and replaces them with much weaker acetone–CS2 interactions. Molecules escape more easily, the vapour pressure exceeds the Raoult prediction ⇒ positive deviation (this pair forms a minimum-boiling azeotrope).
Step 4 — Read off the order asked.
Solution A ⇒ negative; Solution B ⇒ positive.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) negative and positive.
ANSWER: D
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