Question:medium

An aqueous solution of a non-volatile and non-electrolytic solute boils at $100.5^{\circ}C.$ What will be the freezing point of the same solution? (Given $K_{b}=0.512~K$ kg $mol^{-1}$ and $K_{f}=1.86~K$ kg mol$^{-1}$)

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Taking the ratio $\frac{\Delta T_{f}}{\Delta T_{b}} = \frac{K_{f}}{K_{b}}$ saves time by bypassing the calculation of molality entirely.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $-2.816^{\circ}C$
  • $-1.816^{\circ}C$
  • $-0.908^{\circ}C$
  • $-3.632^{\circ}C$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the properties.
Boiling point elevation and freezing point depression are both colligative properties. They depend on the molality of the solution, not on the kind of solute.

Step 2: Find the boiling point rise.
Pure water boils at 100 degrees. The solution boils at 100.5, so the rise is \[ \Delta T_b = 100.5 - 100 = 0.5\,^{\circ}\text{C} \]

Step 3: Write both formulas.
The two equations are $\Delta T_b = K_b\,m$ and $\Delta T_f = K_f\,m$. The molality $m$ is the same in both because it is the same solution.

Step 4: Divide to remove molality.
Dividing one by the other cancels $m$. \[ \frac{\Delta T_f}{\Delta T_b} = \frac{K_f}{K_b} \]

Step 5: Put in the numbers.
So $\dfrac{\Delta T_f}{0.5} = \dfrac{1.86}{0.512}$, which gives \[ \Delta T_f = \frac{1.86 \times 0.5}{0.512} \approx 1.816\,^{\circ}\text{C} \]

Step 6: Find the freezing point.
Pure water freezes at 0 degrees, so the freezing point drops below zero by 1.816. \[ \boxed{T_f = -1.816\,^{\circ}\text{C}} \]
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