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Solutions & Colligative Properties

Colligative Properties

Solution properties that depend only on the number of dissolved solute particles, not on their chemical identity.

Unit Various

In depth

The four colligative properties are vapour pressure lowering, boiling point elevation, freezing point depression and osmotic pressure. All arise because dissolved particles lower the chemical potential of the solvent. Electrolytes have an outsized effect because each formula unit yields several particles.

Examples in the real world

One mole of NaCl depresses water's freezing point about twice as much as one mole of glucose.