Question:medium

Consider the given plots of vapor pressure (VP) vs temperature (T/K). Which amongst the following options is the correct graphical representation showing \( \Delta T_f \) depression in the freezing point of solvent in a solution?

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In freezing point depression, the presence of solute decreases the vapor pressure of the solvent, resulting in a lower freezing point. This is a colligative property that depends on the amount of solute, not its identity.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To comprehend the graphical illustration of freezing point depression in a solvent due to solute addition, understanding colligative properties is fundamental. Freezing point depression is a colligative property demonstrating how solute presence alters solvent characteristics. Solute addition reduces the solvent's vapor pressure, consequently lowering its freezing point.

  1. Concept Explanation:
    • Adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent disrupts the solvent's crystalline structure, reducing its freezing point relative to the pure solvent. This is termed freezing point depression (\(\Delta T_f\)).
    • The presence of a solute lowers the solvent's vapor pressure. At the freezing point, solid and liquid phases coexist in equilibrium.
    • Deviations from ideal vapor pressure behavior at varying temperatures cause a shift in the freezing point.
  2. Graphical Representation:
    • Seek a graph depicting a reduction in freezing point upon solute addition. Identify a graph where the solution's vapor pressure curve intersects the solid line at a lower temperature than the pure solvent's.
  3. Analyzing Options:
    • The accurate graph will show the solution's vapor pressure below that of the pure solvent, resulting in an intersection with the solid phase line at a reduced temperature, consistent with freezing point decrease (\(\Delta T_f\)).
    • Locate this graph among the given choices. The correct depiction is:
  4. Conclusion:
    • This graph illustrates the solution's vapor pressure curve intersecting the solid state line at a temperature lower than that of the pure solvent. It accurately represents the freezing point depression (\(\Delta T_f\)) caused by solute addition.
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