Question

For an electrolyte undergoing association in a solvent, the van’t Hoff factor:

• A. is always greater than one
• B. has negative value
• C. has zero value
• D. is always less than one

Hint:

The van’t Hoff factor for association is less than one because the ions combine to form aggregates, reducing the number of particles in solution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

When electrolytes associate, the particle count in solution diminishes due to the formation of ion pairs or clusters. Consequently, the van't Hoff factor falls below one, indicating fewer particles than would be predicted by dissociation alone.