A solution is made by mixing one mole of volatile liquid $A$ with 3 moles of volatile liquid $B$. The vapour pressure of pure A is 200 mm Hg and that of the solution is 500 mm Hg . The vapour pressure of pure B and the least volatile component of the solution, respectively, are:
Solution
<p>Given:</p>
<p><p>1 mole of volatile liquid A</p></p>
<p><p>3 moles of volatile liquid B</p></p>
<p><p>Vapor pressure of pure A, $ P_A^o = 200 $ mm Hg</p></p>
<p><p>Vapor pressure of the solution, $ P_{S} = 500 $ mm Hg</p></p>
<p>We apply Raoult's law, which states:</p>
<p>$ P_{S} = P_A^o \cdot X_A + P_B^o \cdot X_B $</p>
<p>Where:</p>
<p><p>$ X_A $ is the mole fraction of A</p></p>
<p><p>$ X_B $ is the mole fraction of B</p></p>
<p><p>$ P_B^o $ is the vapor pressure of pure liquid B</p></p>
<p>Calculate the mole fractions:</p>
<p><p>$ X_A = \frac{1}{1+3} = \frac{1}{4} $</p></p>
<p><p>$ X_B = \frac{3}{1+3} = \frac{3}{4} $</p></p>
<p>Plug these into the equation:</p>
<p>$ 500 = 200 \times \frac{1}{4} + P_B^o \times \frac{3}{4} $</p>
<p>Simplifying:</p>
<p>$ 500 = 50 + \frac{3}{4} P_B^o $</p>
<p>Subtract 50 from both sides:</p>
<p>$ 450 = \frac{3}{4} P_B^o $</p>
<p>Multiply both sides by $\frac{4}{3}$ to solve for $P_B^o$:</p>
<p>$ P_B^o = 600 \, \text{mm Hg} $</p>
<p>Since $ P_A^o < P_B^o $, liquid A is the least volatile component.</p>
<p>In conclusion:</p>
<p><p>The vapor pressure of pure B, $ P_B^o $, is 600 mm Hg.</p></p>
<p><p>The least volatile component is A.</p></p>
About this question
Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: States of Matter · Topic: Gas Laws
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