Raoult freezing point depression

Content: colligative properties, concentration, data analysis, solutions, spreadsheet chemistry

Level: introductory (1), advanced (2)

Reference: François-Marie Raoult, "Law of freezing of neutral substances dissolved in benzene", Comptes Rendus 95, 187-9 (1882) [pdf page images available from the National Library of France (en Français,)]

Notes: François-Marie Raoult (1830-1901) made extensive measurements of phenomena we now call colligative properties, particularly the depression of freezing points and vapor pressures of solutions. Vapor pressure depression is the subject of another set of Classic Calculations exercises.

The first problem is a simple exercise in molality and freezing point depression, suitable for an introductory chemistry course. The second problem requires more sophisticated data analysis, more suitable for an analytical or physical chemistry class, for example.

The solutes investigated here include hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Raoult promised data on acids, bases, and alcohols in a later paper.

Solutions: To download solutions, go to:
http://web.lemoyne.edu/giunta/classicalcs/raoultfreeze.doc

To download worked spreadsheet, go to:
http://web.lemoyne.edu/giunta/classicalcs/raoultfreezeans.xls


Copyright 2003 by Carmen Giunta. Permission is granted to reproduce for non-commercial educational purposes.

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