StreakPeaked· Practice

ExamsJEE AdvancedChemistry

Two aqueous solutions S1 and S2 are separated by a semipermeable membrane. The vapour pressure of S1 is higher than that of S2. What will happen?

  1. More solvent will flow from S1 to S2
  2. More solvent will flow from S2 to S1
  3. Solvent flows at equal rates in both directions
  4. There is no flow of solvent

Correct answer: More solvent will flow from S1 to S2

Solution

Vapour pressure of a solution is inversely related to solute concentration (Raoult's law: VP = VP_pure * x_solvent, so higher VP means higher x_solvent = lower solute concentration = lower osmolarity). Higher VP for S1 means S1 has lower solute concentration and lower osmotic pressure compared to S2. Water (solvent) flows by osmosis from the region of lower osmotic pressure (S1) to higher osmotic pressure (S2), i.e., from S1 to S2.

Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions

⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →