Question

Write the relation between van't Hoff factor and degree of dissociation of an electrolyte.

Answer 1

The van't Hoff factor (i) represents the number of particles into which a solute dissociates in solution. It is related to the degree of dissociation (α) by the formula:

i = 1 + (n − 1)α

Where n is the total number of ions produced per formula unit of the electrolyte.

• If α = 0, the solute remains undissociated (i = 1).

• If α = 1, the solute fully dissociates (i = n).

This relation helps in calculating colligative properties like boiling point elevation and freezing point depression.