Why is the boiling point elevation of NaCl solution higher than calculated?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jimRH9
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the boiling point elevation of a 30g/l NaCl solution, questioning why the observed elevation exceeds the calculated value based on the formula involving molal elevation constant and molality. The participant acknowledges that the equation assumes an ideal solution, which does not apply to ionic compounds like NaCl due to dissociation into Na+ and Cl- ions. This dissociation increases the number of particles in solution, potentially leading to a greater boiling point elevation than predicted. Additionally, the participant inquires about the effect of NaCl on vapor pressure, noting that the normal boiling point occurs when vapor pressure equals 1 atm. Ultimately, the participant submitted their report despite the uncertainties discussed.
jimRH9
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Hullo. I'm doing a lab report on boiling point elevation, and we have to answer the question: "the boiling point elevation is higher than the calculated value, Why?". as a question on the side.

In the experiment, the solution is 30g/l NaCl in water.
The equation used to calculate the calculated value is Boiling point elevation = Molal elevation const. x Molality.
Molal elevation const = 0.52

I'm looking for some kind of molecular description, I thought it might be to do with breaking ligand bonds between the water and the salt during evapouration, but dissolving NaCl is endothermic (according to wikipedia~~~), plus i don't think it would have that effect until you boil it dry.

I know the equation assumes it's an ideal solution, and it's not cos NaCl is ionic, what can't explain is why the boiling point elevation would be more than the calculated value, rather than just different from it...

any help greatly apprecaited, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Wht happens to the vapour pressure when NaCl is added to water?Does it increase or decrease?Then remember tht the definition of the normal boiling point is where the vapour pressure equals 1 atm.
Btw this is the wrong place to ask such questions...this is a chemistry question
 
Dissociation taken into account?

Boiling point elevation is taught at chemistry lessons, but I have problems classifying it as a just a chemistry subject.
 
Borek said:
Dissociation taken into account?

Boiling point elevation is taught at chemistry lessons, but I have problems classifying it as a just a chemistry subject.

Borek
--
Sorry, i posted it in a rush. Can I move it myself, Or does a moderator have to do it?
 
Don't worry, if one of Mentors will decide to, they'll move the thread.

Have you taken dissociation into account?
 
Borek said:
Don't worry, if one of Mentors will decide to, they'll move the thread.

Have you taken dissociation into account?

I'm not really sure what you mean, I know what dissociation is I know the salt forms Na+ and Cl- in water, but there's nothing about that in the equation...
 
The equation of osmotic pressure is equal to iMRT...i is the vant hoff factor i.e. the number of particles it dissociates into.
 
Sorry to bump my own thread, but this report has to be in for 2 tommorow, and I've got lectures all day, so it is a matter of some urgency.

jimRH9 said:
what i can't explain is why the boiling point elevation would be more than the calculated value, rather than just different from it...
QUOTE]

I don't know if I really made it clear, but this is the question i was asking.
 
Everything you need was already listed in terminator88 and my posts.
 
  • #10
k it seeems u r not reading wht I have said...
 
  • #11
ach, It doesn't matter, I handed in the report today anyway. Thanks anyway.
 
Back
Top