BY: HARSHITA AWTANEY
Colligative properties are unique characteristics of
solutions that depend solely on the number of
solute particles present, rather than the type of
particles. These properties include boiling point
elevation, freezing point depression, vapor
pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure.
Colligative properties have a profound impact on
both scientific and practical fields. From ensuring
the safety of roads during winter to preserving
our favorite foods, these properties are at work
behind the scenes.
01
Colligative properties are properties of solutions that depend on the
number of solute particles rather than their identity.
Colligative properties arise because the solute particles disrupt
the solvent's physical properties.
They are critical in various scientific and everyday applications.
Boiling point elevation
freezing point depression
vapor pressure lowering
osmotic pressure
01
Adding a solute to a solvent raises the boiling point.
Equation: ΔT_b = K_b * m
ΔT_b: Change in boiling point
K_b: Boiling point elevation constant
m: Molality of the solution
02
Adding a solute to a solvent lowers the freezing
point.
Equation: ΔT_f = K_f * m
ΔT_f: Change in freezing point
K_f: Freezing point depression constant
m: Molality of the solution
03
Adding a solute lowers the vapor pressure of a
solvent.
Raoult's Law: P_solution = X_solvent *P^0_solvent
P_solution: Vapor pressure of the solution
X_solvent: Mole fraction of the solvent
04
P^0_solvent: Vapor pressure of the pure solvent
The pressure required to stop the flow of solvent
into a solution through a semipermeable membrane.
Equation: π = MRT
π: Osmotic pressure
M: Molarity of the solution
R: Ideal gas constant
T: Temperature in Kelvin
02
Salt and sugar lower the water activity in foods,
inhibiting microbial growth and extending shelf
life.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) prevents
engine coolant from freezing in cold
temperatures and from boiling over in hot
temperatures.
The colligative property responsible for
antifreeze is freezing point depression.
The presence of antifreeze lowers the
freezing point of water, so it keeps the
water in a car's radiator from freezing at
0°C.
IV solutions are designed to match the osmotic
pressure of blood to prevent cell damage and
ensure proper hydration and medication delivery
Delivery of the solution at proper
concentration levels is vital to ensure that
the cells do not burst from too much water
intake or shrivel from excess water loss.
Plasma osmolality is a measure of the
electrolyte-water balance.
Use of salt and other chemicals to de-ice
roads in winter.
Spreading salt on roads lowers the freezing
point of water, helping to melt ice and
improve traction.
The use of colligative properties in
soil treatments and plant hydration.
Managing soil salinity through
colligative properties ensures
optimal water uptake and plant
health.
03
Colligative properties, which depend on the number of
solute particles rather than their identity, play a crucial
role in numerous everyday processes. These properties,
including boiling point elevation, freezing point depression,
vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure, have wide-
ranging applications in daily life.
The practical applications of these properties extend to
various fields such as cooking, food preservation, road
safety, medicine, sports, and agriculture. Overall, the
exploration of colligative properties reveals the significant
influence that small molecules have on various aspects of
everyday life.
The choice to research colligative properties was driven by a desire to
understand the fundamental chemistry behind everyday phenomena
and its practical applications in areas such as cooking, medicine, and
road safety. This research provided new insights into how small
molecules influence significant changes in solutions and highlighted
the extensive real-world impacts of these properties. The most
impactful part was realizing the direct connection between theoretical
concepts and practical benefits, enhancing appreciation for the role of
chemistry in daily life. Challenges included simplifying complex ideas,
finding relatable examples, and effectively communicating the
information to a diverse audience.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/colligative-
property
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/thermodyna
mics-chemistry/chemical-solutions/v/colligative-properties
https://chem.libretexts.org
https://www.britannica.com/science/colligative-property
CBSE Textbook
04
