The value of van't Hoff factor, i, for CH3COOH solution in water will be
Between 1 and 2
Less than 1
2
1
Between 1 and 2
The correct option is Between 1 and 2.
Let's understand the concept of van't Hoff factor, denoted by , and why it lies between 1 and 2 for a solution of acetic acid () in water.
The van't Hoff factor is a measure of the effect of a solute on colligative properties, and is defined as the ratio of the actual concentration of particles produced when the substance is dissolved to the concentration of a substance as calculated from its mass.
For solutes that dissociate in solution, the value of is greater than 1.
Acetic acid () is a weak electrolyte. When dissolved in water, it undergoes partial dissociation (ionization) to form acetate ions () and hydrogen ions () or hydronium ions () according to the following equilibrium reaction:
If we assume the initial concentration of acetic acid is 1 and its degree of dissociation is (where ), we can represent the equilibrium states as follows:
- At initial state (before dissociation):
Moles of , Moles of , Moles of .
- At equilibrium state:
Moles of , Moles of , Moles of .
The total number of moles of solute particles at equilibrium is:
The van't Hoff factor is calculated as:
Since acetic acid is a weak acid, it does not dissociate completely. This means that its degree of dissociation () is greater than 0 but strictly less than 1:
Substituting this range of into the expression for gives:
Thus, the value of the van't Hoff factor for a solution in water is between 1 and 2.