Why is vapor pressure reduced in a solution?
1 Answer
Dec 8, 2015
Explanation:
In a pure solvent (i.e. free from SOLUTE), molecules in the liquid phase must overcome solvent-solvent interactions. In a solution a solvent molecule must overcome these interactions as well SOLUTE/SOLVENT interactions to enter the gas phase and contribute to vapour pressure.
Also the number of solvent molecules on the interface between the vapour and the solution is reduced in a solution (why? because there are solute molecules on or near this interface). The net result is that the vapour pressure of a solution is reduced to an extent proportional to the number (or the concentration) of solute particles.