Colligative Properties Question

[Claritynow]

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I had a question in regards to colligative properties. I understand the main gist of it and the 4 different situations of the colligative properties. But how do you know when a solute is added to something. Technically, isn't a solute anything that is added to a solution(regardless of phase)? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Synapsis]

I had a question in regards to colligative properties. I understand the main gist of it and the 4 different situations of the colligative properties. But how do you know when a solute is added to something. Technically, isn't a solute anything that is added to a solution(regardless of phase)? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Are you asking what the solute is? It could be many things. Questions usually use salts, sugars, or other substances to test if you understand how the dissociation (or lack thereof) affects whatever property. So for example, dissolving NaCl in water will affect boiling point and melting point, but more so than adding glucose of the same concentration because NaCl dissociates and glucose doesn't.

I feel like I might be missing your question though. Usually yes, the solute is something you add to solution (I don't like using "always" statements).

 

[POA AFLAT POG]

Solvent usually indicates the compound that predominates in a solution. The lesser is referred as the solute. If neither compound predominates then they are both referred to as solvents.

 

[jjunior]

i think a solute is anything that was solid at room temperature and is dissolved in a solvent