Question

For a non-electrolyte solution, Van’t Hoff is equal to:
A) ${\text{0}}$
B) ${\text{1}}$
C) Between ${\text{0}}$ and ${\text{1}}$
D) None of the above

Answer 1

The non-electrolyte solution means there is neither association nor dissociation happens of electrolyte molecules. This means the degree of dissociation of the non-electrolyte solution is zero. One can put this value in the equation of Van’t Hoff factor and calculate the equation.

Complete step by step answer:

1. First of all we will learn about the Van’t Hoff factor concept where it is a ratio of the concentrations of particles or ions formed when a solute or substance is dissolved in the solution.
2. Now the meaning of nonelectrolyte solute is that there is no association or dissociation of particles in the solution. This means the non-electrolyte solution does not give ions in its solution.
3. Now let us see the formula for the Van’t Hoff factor as below,
   $i = 1 + \left( {n - 1} \right)\alpha$
   Where in the above equation, ${\text{i}}$ is the Van’t Hoff factor
   $\alpha$ is the degree of dissociation
4. Now for a non-electrolyte solution, the degree of dissociation value is always zero. If we put this value in the equation of Van’t Hoff factor we will get as below,
   $i = 1 + \left( {n - 1} \right) \times 0$
   Now if we do the calculation we will get,
   $i = 1 + 0$
   Therefore, the final value of Van’t Hoff factor will be,
   $i = 1$
   Therefore, for a non-electrolyte solution, the Van’t Hoff is equal to ${\text{1}}$ which shows the option B as the correct choice of answer.

Note: The Van’t Hoff factor gives an idea of the effect of solute particles on the colligative property of the solution. The Van’t Hoff factor for a non-electrolyte solution is always one but for an ionic solution, the value is dependent on the total number of ions present in one formula unit of the substance.