Question
Explain why freezing point of a solvent is lowered on dissolving a non-volatile solute into it? Give an important application of the phenomenon of depression in freezing point.
Solution
Answer:
When a non-volatile solute is added its vapour pressure is lowered and at a lower temperature, the vapour pressure of solid and liquid solvent will be equal i.e., depression in freezing point takes place. The application of ΔTf is used as antifreeze so that water does not freeze especially in cold countries.
When a non-volatile solute is added its vapour pressure is lowered and at a lower temperature, the vapour pressure of solid and liquid solvent will be equal i.e., depression in freezing point takes place. The application of ΔTf is used as antifreeze so that water does not freeze especially in cold countries.
