Question

What is the value of the Van’t Hoff factor (i) for solutes that dissociate in water?

(a) > 1

(b) < 1

(c) = 0

(d) Not defined

The question was asked in an interview.

My query is from Abnormal Molar Masses topic in division Solutions of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) > 1

To explain: Van’t Hoff’s factor (i) is defined as the ratio of the observed colligative property to the calculated colligative property. Since, the abnormal mass for solutes that dissociate is lesser than its normal molar mass, the value of Van’t Hoff’s factor will always be > 1.