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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998  > June  >
Information • Textbooks • Media • Resources
Vapor Pressure Lowering by Nonvolatile Solutes
Gavin D. Peckham
University of Zululand, Department of Chemistry, Private Bag X 1001, Kwa Dlangezwa 3886, SOUTH AFRICA

Cover
June 1998
Vol. 75 No. 6
p. 787

Abstract
This short article highlights a fundamental error that is entrenched in introductory chemistry textbooks. It is true that the addition of a nonvolatile solute causes a lowering in the vapor pressure of a solution. The error lies in attributing this vapor pressure lowering to the "blocking" of surface sites by nonvolatile particles. This is a totally fallacious argument for a number of reasons and the true explanation is to be found in the entropy changes that occur as a nonvolatile solute is added to a solution.
More Information
*  Citation
Peckham, Gavin D. J. Chem. Educ. 1998 75 787.
*  Keywords
Introductory/High School Chemistry, Gases, Physical Chemistry, Solutions/Solvents
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
June 23, 1999
June 24, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1998 > June > Page 787


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