Assuming equal concentrations, rank these aqueous solutions by their freezing point: Li2SO4, Li3PO4, SnCl4, NH4Br.
(from highest freezing point to lowest freezing poinT)
Is the order Li3PO4, Li2SO4, SnCl4, and NH4Br???????? If not what is the correct order?
To determine the order of freezing points for these aqueous solutions (Li2SO4, Li3PO4, SnCl4, NH4Br), we need to consider the number of particles present in each solution.
The more solute particles in a solution, the greater the impact on the freezing point depression. This is known as the "Colligative Property," wherein the freezing point of a solution is lower than that of the pure solvent.
Let's analyze each solution to determine the number of particles:
1. Li2SO4:
Li2SO4 dissociates into 3 particles when dissolved in water: 2 Li+ ions and 1 SO4^2- ion.
2. Li3PO4:
Li3PO4 dissociates into 4 particles when dissolved in water: 3 Li+ ions and 1 PO4^3- ion.
3. SnCl4:
SnCl4 dissociates into 5 particles when dissolved in water: 1 Sn^4+ ion and 4 Cl- ions.
4. NH4Br:
NH4Br dissociates into 2 particles when dissolved in water: 1 NH4+ ion and 1 Br- ion.
Now, considering the number of particles present, we can rank them from highest to lowest freezing point depression:
1. Li3PO4 (4 particles)
2. Li2SO4 (3 particles)
3. SnCl4 (5 particles)
4. NH4Br (2 particles)
Hence, the correct order, from the highest to the lowest freezing point, is Li3PO4, Li2SO4, SnCl4, and NH4Br.