Which of the following describes a colligative property?

Which of the following describes a colligative property?

• A. A property that depends on the identity of solute particles
• B. A property that depends only on the number of solute particles present
• C. A property that only affects boiling point
• D. A property that only affects freezing point

Answer: (B)

Colligative properties are defined as properties of solutions that depend primarily on the number of solute particles in a given quantity of solvent, rather than on the identities or types of those solute particles. This means that when a solute is added to a solvent, the effects on certain physical properties, such as boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure, are all influenced by how many solute particles (molecules or ions) are present in the solution. For example, if you were to dissolve salt in water, both the freezing point and boiling point of the water will change based on how much salt you add, regardless of whether you add table salt or another solute. The critical aspect is the concentration of solute particles, which alters the physical properties of the solvent. The other options suggest limitations or incorrect focuses on identity, specific effects on boiling or freezing points, which do not encompass the full scope of what colligative properties are. Therefore, the statement that captures the essence of colligative properties being dependent solely on the number of solute particles is the correct understanding.

Colligative properties are defined as properties of solutions that depend primarily on the number of solute particles in a given quantity of solvent, rather than on the identities or types of those solute particles. This means that when a solute is added to a solvent, the effects on certain physical properties, such as boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure, are all influenced by how many solute particles (molecules or ions) are present in the solution.

For example, if you were to dissolve salt in water, both the freezing point and boiling point of the water will change based on how much salt you add, regardless of whether you add table salt or another solute. The critical aspect is the concentration of solute particles, which alters the physical properties of the solvent.

The other options suggest limitations or incorrect focuses on identity, specific effects on boiling or freezing points, which do not encompass the full scope of what colligative properties are. Therefore, the statement that captures the essence of colligative properties being dependent solely on the number of solute particles is the correct understanding.