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Q.(i) Why is 0.84% aqueous solution of NaCl used as normal saline?

(ii) 1 g of a non-electrolyte, solid solute when dissolved in 50 g of benzene lowered the freezing point of benzene by 0.40 K. The freezing point depression constant (Kf) of benzene is 5.12 K kg mol-1. Calculate the molar mass of the solute. (1+2)
West Bengal WbchseWest Bengal HS (WBCHSE) Board 2023Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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Isotonicity avoids osmotic damage to blood cells; freezing-point depression data lets us calculate an unknown solute's molar mass.

  1. 'Normal saline' (0.84-0.9% NaCl) is prepared so that its osmotic pressure matches that of blood plasma and red blood cell contents (it is isotonic with blood). If a more concentrated (hypertonic) solution were infused, water would leave the blood cells by osmosis and they would shrink (crenation); if a more dilute (hypotonic) solution were used, water would rush into the cells and they could burst (haemolysis). Using an isotonic 0.84% NaCl solution avoids both problems, so it is safe to infuse directly into the bloodstream.
  2. Freezing point depression: ΔTf=Kf×m\Delta T_f = K_f \times m m=ΔTfKf=0.405.12=0.0781 mol/kgm = \frac{\Delta T_f}{K_f} = \frac{0.40}{5.12} = 0.0781\text{ mol/kg} …

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