Chapter 16, Problem 8STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The lowest vapor pressure is to be identified.

Concept Introduction : Colligative properties are those of solutions that depend only on the number of solute particles present, not on the nature of those particles. Depression in freezing point, elevation in boiling point, and vapor pressure lowering are important colligative properties.

Answer to Problem 8STP

The atomic window A will have the lowest vapor pressure.

Explanation of Solution

The pressure that a vapor in a closed system applies to the liquid while they are in dynamic equilibrium is known as vapor pressure.

The vapor pressure of a solution containing a non-volatile solute is always lower than that of a pure solvent.

The atomic window A contains more solute particles along with water (solvent).

The atomic window B contains only water (solvent) without any solute particles.

The atomic window C contains fewer solute particles along with water (solvent).

Among the atomic windows, A will have lower vapor pressure since it has more solute than others.

In the case of window B, there is no solute so it will have a higher vapor pressure.

Window C will have higher vapor pressure than A since there are fewer solute particles when compared with A.