Skip to main content
Ch.13 - Properties of Solutions
Chapter 13, Problem 122

What is the boiling point of a 0.10 M solution of NaHSO4 if the solution has a density of 1.002 g>mL?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
9m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Boiling Point Elevation

Boiling point elevation is a colligative property that describes how the boiling point of a solvent increases when a solute is dissolved in it. The extent of this elevation depends on the number of solute particles in the solution, not their identity. The formula used to calculate the change in boiling point is ΔT_b = i * K_b * m, where 'i' is the van 't Hoff factor, 'K_b' is the ebullioscopic constant of the solvent, and 'm' is the molality of the solution.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:05
Boiling Point Elevation

Van 't Hoff Factor (i)

The van 't Hoff factor (i) indicates the number of particles into which a solute dissociates in solution. For NaHSO4, which dissociates into Na⁺ and HSO4⁻ ions, the value of 'i' is 2. This factor is crucial for calculating colligative properties, as it directly affects the number of solute particles contributing to boiling point elevation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:50
Van't Hoff Factor

Molality vs. Molarity

Molality (m) is a measure of concentration defined as the number of moles of solute per kilogram of solvent, while molarity (M) is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. In this question, the solution's molarity is given (0.10 M), but to calculate boiling point elevation, molality may be needed, which requires knowing the density of the solution to convert volume to mass.
Recommended video: