Question

what are practical uses of colligative properties?

Answer 1

Colligative Properties are those properties of solutions that depend on the number of dissolved particles in solution.

1) Freezing Point Depression : Presence of a solute lowers the freezing point of a solution relative to that of pure solvent.

Examples : Adding salt on the roads after snowfall, to keep the melted snow from refreezing and Antifreeze used in automobile heating and cooling systems is a solution of water and ethylene glycol; this solution has a lower freezing point than either pure water or pure ethylene glycol which is used in cold regions.

2) Boiling Point Elevation:

The Boiling Point of a solution is higher than that of the pure solvent.The antifreeze in a car radiatior gives protection against boil overs as the boiling point have been increased.

3) Vapor pressure lowering : In some steam engines the cylinder can be cooled to lower the vapor pressure of the steam and create a suction on the back of the piston to get extra power.

4) Osmotic Pressure : The dissolved substances in the plant cells pull water into the plant cells and keep them inflated which keeps the cell walls rigid and the plant doesn't wilt.