Elevation of Boiling Point
The boiling point of a liquid is influenced by the presence of solutes. When a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, the boiling point of the resulting solution is higher than that of the pure solvent. This phenomenon is caused by a reduction in the vapor pressure of the solvent, which requires the solution to reach a higher temperature to equal the atmospheric pressure for boiling to occur. The extent of this elevation is directly proportional to the molal concentration of the solute.
Mathematically, this relationship can be expressed as:
\[ \Delta T_b = K_b imes m \]
Where:
- \( \Delta T_b \) is the elevation in boiling point;
- \( K_b \) is the ebullioscopic constant of the solvent; and
- \( m \) is the molality of the solute in the solution.
Knowing the mass of solute and solvent allows for the calculation of the molar mass of the solute using experimental boiling point data. The section emphasizes the foundation of this principle in colligative properties, specifically focusing on boiling point elevation, demonstrating the pivotal relationship between solute concentration and physical properties of solutions.