Calculate Molecular Weight of Polyethylene from Osmotic Pressure

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SUMMARY

The molecular weight of polyethylene can be calculated using the osmotic pressure formula, π = (n/V)RT, where π is the osmotic pressure, n is the number of moles, V is the volume of the solution, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin. In this case, 2.06 g of polyethylene was dissolved in 100 mL of benzene, resulting in an osmotic pressure of 1.86 torr at 25°C. By rearranging the formula and substituting the known values, the molecular weight of the polyethylene can be determined to be approximately 106.2 g/mol.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of osmotic pressure and its relationship to solute concentration
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its application in solutions
  • Basic knowledge of molecular weight calculations
  • Proficiency in unit conversions (torr to atm, grams to moles)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the osmotic pressure formula in detail
  • Learn about the ideal gas constant (R) and its units
  • Explore the relationship between molecular weight and colligative properties
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on osmotic pressure
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, polymer scientists, and anyone involved in the study of osmotic pressure and molecular weight calculations in solutions.

mate1000
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WOuld someone be able to give us a hand for this question, I am stumped.
Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer or plastic with many uses. 2.06 g of a polyethylene sample was dissolved in enough benzene to make 100 mL of solution, and the osmotic pressure was found to be 1.86 torr at 25oC. What is the molecular weight (g mol-1) of the polyethylene? (1 torr = 1 mm Hg, 1 atm = 760 mm Hg)
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How does osmotic pressure depend on the dissolved substances concentrations?
 
You have to make an attempt at the question - what relationships do you know about osmotic pressure and molecular weight?
 

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