Elevation in Boiling Point

Elevation in Boiling Point

Edited By Shivani Poonia | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:53 PM IST

The elevation in boiling point is the colligative property of the Solutions. Which depends upon the number of the solute particles as it depends on the number, not on the nature of the solute. When the phenomenon of elevation in boiling point developed it was not understood Scientists of ancient times observed that adding substances to water could change their boiling point. In 1814 a French chemist studied this phenomenon and his name is Francois Marie Roult he formulated Raoult's Law and described how the vapour pressure of solvent decreases when the volatile solute is added which the framework of elevation in boiling point after that another scientist Jacobus Henricus van't Hoff extends the Raoult's law and introduce the concept of colligative properties i.e elevation in boiling point

This Story also Contains
  1. Elevation in boiling point
  2. Some Solved Examples
  3. Summary
Elevation in Boiling Point
Elevation in Boiling Point

Elevation in boiling point

Boiling Point: It is the temperature of a liquid at which its vapour pressure becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure.

Now, the lowering of the vapour pressure of the solution occurs when the addition of non-volatile solute in solvent happens. In order to boil the solution, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the solution above the boiling point of the pure solvent. It means the boiling point of the solution is always higher than the boiling point of the pure solvent. This increase in the boiling point of the solution is called elevation in boiling point$\left ( \Delta T_b \right )$

  • It is also termed as Ebullioscopy.

  • Suppose $\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}^{\mathrm{o}}$ and $\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}$ are the B.P. of pure solvent and solution respectively, then elevation in B.P $\left(\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}\right)$ is given as $\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}=\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}-\mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}^{\circ}$


$\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}$ is directly proportional to the molality of the solution

$\begin{aligned} & \Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}} \propto \mathrm{m} \\ & \Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}=\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b} \mathrm{m}}\end{aligned}$

  • If the molality of the solution is one, then

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$\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}=\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}}$

  • The elevation in B.P. is also given as$\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}=\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}} \times \frac{\mathrm{w}}{\mathrm{M}} \times \frac{1000}{\mathrm{~W}}$

  • The molecular weight of solute can be found out as follows$\mathrm{M}=\frac{\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}} \times \mathrm{w} \times 1000}{\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}} \times \mathrm{W}}$

Here w = weight of solute


W = weight of solvent
Kb= molal elevation constant or ebullioscopic constant.
M = molar mass of solute

M1 = molar mass of solvent

The value of $K_b$ or Ebullioscopic constant is a property of the solvent only and does not depend on the type of solute. The value of $K_b$ can be calculated as:

$\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}}=\frac{\mathrm{RM}_1 \mathrm{~T}^2}{1000 \mathrm{Lv} \text { or } \Delta \mathrm{Hv}}$

Here Lv or $\Delta \mathrm{T}_{\mathrm{b}}=\mathrm{K}_{\mathrm{b}} \times \frac{\mathrm{w}}{\mathrm{M}} \times \frac{1000}{\mathrm{~W}}$= latent heat of vaporization.

Recommended topic video on ( Elevation in Boiling Point)

Some Solved Examples

Example.1

1. When a substance is dissolved in a solvent, the vapour pressure of the solvent decreases. It brings:

1)A decrease in the boiling point of the solution

2) (correct)An increase in the boiling point of the solution

3)A decrease in the freezing point of the solution

4)An increase in the freezing point of the solution

Solution

Elevation in Boiling point -
The boiling point increases because vapour pressure decreases.


Boiling point $\propto \frac{1}{\text { vapour pressure of liquid }}$

Hence, on decreasing vapour pressure, the boiling point will increase.

Therefore, option(2) is correct

Example.2

2. Which of the following statements is correct for the boiling point of the solvent containing a dissolved solid substance:

1) The boiling point of the liquid is depressed

2) (correct)Boiling point of the liquid is elevated

3)There is no effect on the boiling point

4)The change depends upon the polarity of the liquid

Solution

Elevation in Boiling point -
The boiling point increases because vapour pressure decreases.

Dissolution of a non-volatile solute raises the boiling pt. of a liquid.

Therefore, option(2) is correct

Example.3

3. Pressure cooker reduces cooking time for food because:

1)Heat is more evenly distributed in the cooking space.

2) (correct) The Boiling point of water involved in cooking is increased.

3)The higher pressure inside the cooker crushes the food material.

4)Cooking involves chemical changes helped by a rise in temperature.

Solution

Elevation in Boiling point -
The boiling point increases because vapour pressure decreases.

Due to higher pressure inside the cooker, the boiling point elevated.

Therefore, option(2) is correct

Example.4

4. Elevation in the boiling point for 1 molal solution of glucose is 2K. The depression in the freezing point for 2 molal solution of glucose in the same solvent is 2K. The relation between Kb and Kf is:

1)Kb = Kf

2)Kb =1.5 Kf

3)Kb =0.5 Kf

4) (correct)Kb =2 Kf

Solution

$\begin{aligned} & \frac{\Delta T_b}{\Delta T_f}=\frac{m \times K_b}{m \times K_f} \\ & \frac{2}{2}=\frac{1 \times K_b}{2 \times K_f} \\ & K_b=2 K_f\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example.5

5. If 0.15g of a solute dissolved in 15g of solvent is boiled at a temperature higher by 0.2160C than that of the pure solvent. The molecular weight of the substance (molal elevation constant for the solvent is 2.160C ) is

1) (correct)100

2)10

3)20.2

4)0.1

Solution

$\begin{aligned} & \Delta T_b=K_b m \\ & K_b=\text { Boiling point elevation constant } \\ & m=\text { molality } \\ & m=\frac{K_b \times w \times 1000}{\Delta T_b \times W}=\frac{2.16 \times 0.15 \times 1000}{0.216 \times 15}=100\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is (100g/mol).

Example.6

6.The rise in the boiling point of a solution containing 1.8 gram of glucose in 100 g of a solvent in 0.10C. The molal elevation constant of the liquid is:

1)$0.01 \mathrm{~K} / \mathrm{m}$

2)$0.1 \mathrm{~K} / \mathrm{m}$

3) (correct)$1 \mathrm{~K} / \mathrm{m}$

4)$10 \mathrm{~K} / \mathrm{m}$

Solution

$\begin{aligned} \Delta T_b & =K_b m \\ K_b & =\frac{\Delta T_b}{m}=\frac{0.1 \times 100}{\frac{1.8}{180} \times 1000}=1 \mathrm{~K} / \mathrm{m}\end{aligned}$

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Summary

It is found that the boiling point of the solution is always higher than that of the pure Solvent. The increase is called elevation in boiling point. The reason for the elevation in boiling point may be that we know that the vapour pressure of the solution is lower than that of the pure solvent and vapour pressure increases with the increase in temperature. Hence, the solution has to be heated more to make the vapour pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. And this elevation in boiling point is measured by the ebullioscopic method. This colligative property has various applications including in cooking as adding salt to the water to increase its boiling point by which the food is cooked faster and also has several other benefits in the case of the chemical industry as preparing the solution it help in designing the process where boiling point is required to avoid the overheat to control the rates of reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is elevation in boiling point?
Elevation in boiling point is the increase in the boiling temperature of a solvent when a non-volatile solute is dissolved in it. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of solute particles reduces the vapor pressure of the solution, requiring a higher temperature to reach the atmospheric pressure and begin boiling.
2. Why does adding salt to water increase its boiling point?
Adding salt to water increases its boiling point because the dissolved salt ions interfere with water molecules' ability to escape into the vapor phase. This requires more energy (higher temperature) for the solution to overcome atmospheric pressure and begin boiling.
3. How does the concentration of a solute affect the boiling point elevation?
The concentration of a solute directly affects the boiling point elevation. As the concentration of the solute increases, the boiling point elevation becomes more pronounced. This relationship is linear for dilute solutions, as described by the equation ΔTb = Kb × m, where Kb is the molal boiling point elevation constant and m is the molality of the solution.
4. What is the molal boiling point elevation constant (Kb)?
The molal boiling point elevation constant (Kb) is a property specific to each solvent that indicates how much the boiling point will increase for every one molal increase in solute concentration. It is expressed in °C/m or K/m and is used in the equation ΔTb = Kb × m to calculate boiling point elevation.
5. How does the nature of the solute affect boiling point elevation?
The nature of the solute affects boiling point elevation primarily through its ability to dissociate in the solvent. Ionic compounds that dissociate into multiple ions will have a greater effect on boiling point elevation than molecular compounds that do not dissociate. This is because the total number of particles in solution influences the colligative properties.
6. Why is boiling point elevation considered a colligative property?
Boiling point elevation is considered a colligative property because it depends on the number of dissolved particles in the solution, not on their nature. This means that the effect is determined by the concentration of the solute, regardless of what the solute actually is, as long as it is non-volatile.
7. How does boiling point elevation relate to vapor pressure?
Boiling point elevation is directly related to vapor pressure. When a solute is added to a solvent, it reduces the vapor pressure of the solution. As a result, a higher temperature is required for the vapor pressure to equal atmospheric pressure, which is the definition of boiling point. This increase in required temperature is the boiling point elevation.
8. Can boiling point elevation be used to determine the molar mass of an unknown solute?
Yes, boiling point elevation can be used to determine the molar mass of an unknown solute. By measuring the boiling point elevation of a solution with a known mass of the unknown solute, and using the equation ΔTb = Kb × m, one can calculate the molality of the solution. From this, the molar mass of the solute can be determined.
9. What is the difference between boiling point elevation and freezing point depression?
Boiling point elevation and freezing point depression are both colligative properties caused by adding a solute to a solvent. The key difference is that boiling point elevation increases the boiling temperature of a solution above that of the pure solvent, while freezing point depression lowers the freezing temperature of a solution below that of the pure solvent.
10. How does pressure affect boiling point elevation?
Pressure affects the absolute boiling point of both the pure solvent and the solution, but it does not change the magnitude of the boiling point elevation itself. The elevation in boiling point (ΔTb) remains constant for a given solution concentration, regardless of the ambient pressure.
11. What is ebullioscopy?
Ebullioscopy is the technique of measuring boiling point elevation to determine the molar mass of a dissolved substance. This method relies on the principle that the boiling point elevation is proportional to the concentration of the solute, allowing researchers to calculate the molar mass of an unknown compound.
12. How does boiling point elevation affect cooking at high altitudes?
Boiling point elevation affects cooking at high altitudes in an interesting way. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, which actually lowers the boiling point of water. However, adding salt to water while cooking at high altitudes can help counteract this effect by elevating the boiling point, allowing food to cook at a higher temperature.
13. Can gases cause boiling point elevation?
Generally, gases do not cause significant boiling point elevation because they are volatile and tend to escape from the solution rather than remain dissolved. Boiling point elevation is typically observed with non-volatile solutes that remain in solution throughout the boiling process.
14. What is the van 't Hoff factor and how does it relate to boiling point elevation?
The van 't Hoff factor (i) is a measure of the degree to which a solute dissociates in solution. It's used to account for the fact that some compounds break into multiple ions when dissolved. In boiling point elevation calculations, the van 't Hoff factor is multiplied by the molality to account for the actual number of particles in solution: ΔTb = i × Kb × m.
15. How does boiling point elevation affect the efficiency of cooling systems?
Boiling point elevation affects cooling systems by increasing the boiling point of the coolant. This can be beneficial in automotive cooling systems, for example, where antifreeze (like ethylene glycol) is added to water. The elevated boiling point prevents the coolant from boiling under the high temperatures of the engine, improving the efficiency of the cooling system.
16. Why don't all solutes have the same effect on boiling point elevation?
Not all solutes have the same effect on boiling point elevation because the magnitude of the effect depends on the number of particles the solute produces in solution. Ionic compounds that dissociate into multiple ions will have a greater effect than molecular compounds that don't dissociate. This is why the van 't Hoff factor is important in accurate calculations.
17. How does boiling point elevation relate to Raoult's law?
Boiling point elevation is related to Raoult's law, which describes the vapor pressure lowering effect of a non-volatile solute. Raoult's law states that the vapor pressure of a solution is directly proportional to the mole fraction of the solvent. As the solute concentration increases, the solvent's mole fraction decreases, lowering the vapor pressure and consequently elevating the boiling point.
18. Can boiling point elevation be used in desalination processes?
While boiling point elevation itself is not directly used in desalination, understanding this concept is crucial in designing efficient desalination processes. In thermal desalination methods, the elevated boiling point of seawater (due to dissolved salts) must be taken into account when determining the energy required to vaporize the water and separate it from the salts.
19. How does the structure of a solute molecule affect its impact on boiling point elevation?
The structure of a solute molecule affects its impact on boiling point elevation primarily through its ability to dissociate or associate in solution. Molecules that can form hydrogen bonds or other strong intermolecular interactions with the solvent may have a more pronounced effect on boiling point elevation. Additionally, larger molecules tend to have a greater effect per mole due to their impact on the solution's entropy.
20. What is the relationship between boiling point elevation and osmotic pressure?
Boiling point elevation and osmotic pressure are both colligative properties that depend on the concentration of solute particles in a solution. They are related through thermodynamics, as both phenomena arise from the change in chemical potential of the solvent when a solute is added. In fact, the same van 't Hoff factor used in boiling point elevation calculations is also used in osmotic pressure calculations.
21. How does boiling point elevation affect the distillation process?
Boiling point elevation affects the distillation process by changing the boiling temperatures of mixtures. In a solution with multiple components, the boiling point of each component is elevated to different degrees based on its concentration. This can alter the separation efficiency and required temperatures in distillation columns, potentially necessitating adjustments to the distillation process design.
22. Can boiling point elevation be used to purify water?
While boiling point elevation itself is not a purification method, understanding this concept is crucial in designing water purification systems. For example, in multiple-effect distillation used for water desalination, the progressive increase in boiling point due to increasing salt concentration must be accounted for in each stage of the process to ensure efficient operation.
23. How does boiling point elevation affect the properties of antifreeze solutions?
Boiling point elevation is a crucial property of antifreeze solutions. Antifreeze compounds like ethylene glycol not only lower the freezing point of water but also raise its boiling point. This dual effect allows the coolant to remain liquid over a wider temperature range, protecting engines from both freezing in cold weather and boiling over in hot conditions.
24. What is the difference between ideal and non-ideal solutions in terms of boiling point elevation?
In ideal solutions, the boiling point elevation follows a linear relationship with concentration as described by the equation ΔTb = Kb × m. Non-ideal solutions, however, may deviate from this linear relationship, especially at higher concentrations. This deviation occurs due to interactions between solute particles or between solute and solvent particles that are not accounted for in the ideal model.
25. How does boiling point elevation affect the energy requirements in industrial processes?
Boiling point elevation can significantly affect energy requirements in industrial processes, particularly those involving evaporation or distillation. Higher boiling points require more energy input to achieve vaporization, which can increase operational costs. This is particularly important in processes like sugar refining or salt production, where solutions become more concentrated over time, progressively increasing the boiling point.
26. Can boiling point elevation be used to determine the purity of a solvent?
Yes, boiling point elevation can be used to determine the purity of a solvent. A pure solvent will have a consistent boiling point at a given pressure. If the observed boiling point is higher than expected, it suggests the presence of dissolved impurities. By accurately measuring the boiling point elevation, one can estimate the concentration of impurities in the solvent.
27. How does the concept of boiling point elevation apply to azeotropes?
Azeotropes are mixtures of two or more liquids that have a constant boiling point and cannot be separated by simple distillation. The concept of boiling point elevation helps explain why azeotropes form. In some cases, the interactions between the components of an azeotrope result in a maximum or minimum boiling point that deviates from what would be expected based on simple boiling point elevation calculations.
28. What role does entropy play in boiling point elevation?
Entropy plays a crucial role in boiling point elevation. When a solute is added to a solvent, it increases the entropy of the liquid phase by introducing disorder. To compensate for this increased entropy in the liquid phase, a higher temperature is required for the system to reach the vapor phase, where entropy is naturally higher. This entropic effect contributes to the elevation of the boiling point.
29. How does boiling point elevation affect the vapor composition in distillation?
Boiling point elevation affects the vapor composition in distillation by changing the relative volatility of components in a mixture. As the concentration of a less volatile component increases, it elevates the boiling point of the mixture, potentially altering the composition of the vapor phase. This can affect the separation efficiency and the number of theoretical plates required in a distillation column.
30. Can boiling point elevation be used to create a simple thermometer?
While not common, the principle of boiling point elevation can be used to create a simple thermometer. By using a solution with a known concentration of a non-volatile solute, one could calibrate the boiling point to correspond to specific temperatures. However, this would be less practical than conventional thermometers due to the narrow range of temperatures it could measure accurately.
31. How does boiling point elevation relate to the concept of colligative properties in solutions?
Boiling point elevation is one of the four main colligative properties of solutions, along with freezing point depression, vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure. These properties are called colligative because they depend on the number of dissolved particles rather than their nature. Understanding boiling point elevation helps in comprehending how dissolved particles affect the bulk properties of solutions in general.
32. What is the significance of boiling point elevation in the food industry?
In the food industry, boiling point elevation is significant in several ways:
33. How does boiling point elevation affect the efficiency of steam engines?
Boiling point elevation can affect steam engines by altering the properties of the working fluid. If impurities accumulate in the boiler water, they can elevate its boiling point. This means more energy is required to produce steam, reducing the overall efficiency of the engine. Regular maintenance to prevent buildup of dissolved solids is crucial for maintaining optimal steam engine performance.
34. Can the concept of boiling point elevation be applied to organic solvents?
Yes, the concept of boiling point elevation applies to organic solvents as well as water. Each organic solvent has its own molal boiling point elevation constant (Kb). When non-volatile solutes are dissolved in organic solvents, they will experience boiling point elevation according to the same principles, though the magnitude of the effect may differ due to different Kb values and solvent-solute interactions.
35. How does boiling point elevation affect the design of pressure cookers?
Boiling point elevation is an important consideration in pressure cooker design, although it's not the primary mechanism at work. Pressure cookers primarily raise cooking temperatures by increasing pressure, which elevates the boiling point of water. However, as foods cook and release solutes into the cooking liquid, there's an additional small boiling point elevation effect. This combined effect allows for faster cooking times and can influence the design of safety features and cooking guidelines for pressure cookers.
36. What is the relationship between boiling point elevation and the chemical potential of a solution?
Boiling point elevation is directly related to the change in chemical potential of a solution. When a solute is added to a pure solvent, it lowers the chemical potential of the liquid phase. To reach equilibrium with the vapor phase (which has unchanged chemical potential), the temperature must increase. This increase in temperature required for equilibrium manifests as the boiling point elevation.
37. How does boiling point elevation affect the performance of cooling towers?
In cooling towers, especially those used in industrial processes or power plants, boiling point elevation can impact performance. As water evaporates from the cooling system, the concentration of dissolved solids in the remaining water increases. This can lead to an elevated boiling point, potentially reducing the efficiency of heat transfer. Regular "blowdown" (partial draining and refilling) is often necessary to maintain optimal performance.
38. Can boiling point elevation be used to separate azeotropic mixtures?
While boiling point elevation alone cannot separate azeotropic mixtures, understanding this concept is crucial in developing techniques to break azeotropes. For instance, adding a third component that alters the boiling point elevation behavior of the mixture can sometimes allow for separation. This principle is used in extractive distillation, where a carefully chosen additive changes the relative volatility of the components in an azeotrope.
39. How does boiling point elevation affect the design of solar stills for water purification?
In solar stills used for water purification, boiling point elevation must be considered, especially when dealing with saline water. As water evaporates, the concentration of salts in the remaining water increases, elevating its boiling point. This can reduce the efficiency of the still over time. Designers must account for this effect to ensure consistent performance, potentially by incorporating features to remove concentrated brine or adjusting the operating temperature.
40. What is the connection between boiling point elevation and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation?
The Clausius-Clapeyron equation describes the relationship between vapor pressure and temperature for a pure substance. While it doesn't directly address solutions, understanding boiling point elevation requires considering how dissolved solutes affect this relationship. The presence of solutes lowers the vapor pressure as described by Raoult's law, which then requires a higher temperature to reach the ambient pressure for boiling, as predicted by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
41. How does boiling point elevation affect the efficiency of multi-stage flash distillation in desalination plants?
In multi-stage flash distillation, boiling point elevation plays a crucial role. As seawater becomes more concentrated through the stages, its boiling point increases. This must be accounted for in the design of each stage, as the temperature and pressure conditions need to be adjusted to ensure efficient flash

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