Freezing Point Depression and Ethylene glycol

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the freezing point depression of a 50% ethylene glycol solution used in automotive radiator fluid. Participants explore the relevant equations and concepts related to molality and freezing point depression, addressing a specific homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method for calculating the freezing point depression using the formula ΔT_f = K_f * m, assuming a 100 g solution and calculating moles of ethylene glycol based on its molar mass.
  • Another participant corrects the first by emphasizing that molality should be calculated using the mass of the solvent, not the total solution, indicating a misunderstanding in the initial approach.
  • A third participant reiterates the correct definition of molality, stressing the importance of using the mass of the solvent in the calculation.
  • A later reply points out that the thread is a necropost and references a previous contribution that had already addressed the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the correct approach to calculating molality, with some emphasizing the need to use the mass of the solvent rather than the solution. The discussion reflects confusion and differing interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method for calculating the freezing point depression, and there are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made in the calculations.

sam.
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Homework Statement



Ethylene glycol, the primary ingredient in antifreeze, has the chemical formula C_2H_6O_2. The radiator fluid used in most cars is a half-and-half mixture of water and antifreeze.

What is the freezing point of radiator fluid that is 50% antifreeze by mass? K_f for water is 1.86 degrees Celsius/m.

Homework Equations



\DeltaT_f = K_f * m

m (molality) = # of moles of solute/mass of solution (kg)

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so I assumed 100 g of solution. And the molar mass of ethylene glycol is 62.08 g/mol. So you find the moles of ethylene glycol by multiplying 50 g by the molar mass which gives you 0.805 mol. Then you assume 100 g of water (which is 0.1 kg). And you solve for molality (m) and then you just sub it into the first equation? Is this correct?
 
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sam. said:

Homework Statement



Ethylene glycol, the primary ingredient in antifreeze, has the chemical formula C_2H_6O_2. The radiator fluid used in most cars is a half-and-half mixture of water and antifreeze.

What is the freezing point of radiator fluid that is 50% antifreeze by mass? K_f for water is 1.86 degrees Celsius/m.

Homework Equations



\DeltaT_f = K_f * m

m (molality) = # of moles of solute/mass of solution (kg)

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, so I assumed 100 g of solution. And the molar mass of ethylene glycol is 62.08 g/mol. So you find the moles of ethylene glycol by multiplying 50 g by the molar mass which gives you 0.805 mol. Then you assume 100 g of water (which is 0.1 kg). And you solve for molality (m) and then you just sub it into the first equation? Is this correct?

Not quite. Remember this:

m (molality) = # of moles of solute/mass of solution (kg)

do not "...assume 100 g of water (which is 0.1 kg)."
 
m (molality) = moles of solute/ mass of SOLVENT (KG) "NOTTTTTTTTTT SOLUTION"
 
You not only necroposted in the thread that is over two years old, but you also missed the fact that chemisttree already addressed the problem.

--
 
Boy! Those were the good old days. eh?
 

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