Question:medium

Which of the following solutions will have the highest osmotic pressure ?

Show Hint

Osmotic pressure is a colligative property given by \(\pi = iCRT\), where \(i\) is the van't Hoff factor (number of particles per formula unit).
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 0.1 M KCl
  • 0.1 M \(CaCl_2\)
  • 0.1 M Glucose
  • 0.1 M Urea
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the formula.
Osmotic pressure is \(\pi = iCRT\), where \(i\) is the number of particles each solute gives in solution (van't Hoff factor).

Step 2: Note that C, R and T are the same.
All solutions are \(0.1\,M\) at the same temperature, so the only thing that changes \(\pi\) is the factor \(i\).

Step 3: Find i for each solute.
\(KCl \rightarrow K^+ + Cl^-\) gives \(i = 2\). \(CaCl_2 \rightarrow Ca^{2+} + 2Cl^-\) gives \(i = 3\). Glucose and Urea do not ionise, so \(i = 1\) for each.

Step 4: Pick the largest i.
\(CaCl_2\) gives the most particles \((i = 3)\), so it has the highest osmotic pressure.

Step 5: Conclusion.
More particles in solution means higher osmotic pressure.

\[ \boxed{0.1\,M\ CaCl_2} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0