Molal Boiling Point Elevation Constant Formula:
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The molal boiling point elevation constant (K_b) is a property of a solvent that quantifies how much the boiling point of the solvent increases when a non-volatile solute is added. It represents the boiling point elevation per molal concentration of solute particles.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This equation relates the boiling point elevation constant to fundamental thermodynamic properties of the solvent.
Details: The boiling point elevation constant is essential for determining molecular weights of unknown solutes, calculating boiling point elevations in solutions, and understanding colligative properties in physical chemistry.
Tips: Enter the boiling point in Kelvin, solvent molar mass in g/mol, and enthalpy of vaporization in J/mol. All values must be positive and non-zero.
Q1: What are typical values of K_b for common solvents?
A: Water: 0.512 °C·kg/mol, Ethanol: 1.22 °C·kg/mol, Benzene: 2.53 °C·kg/mol, Chloroform: 3.63 °C·kg/mol
Q2: Why is the constant molal rather than molar?
A: Boiling point elevation depends on the number of solute particles per mass of solvent (molality), not per volume of solution (molarity).
Q3: Does K_b depend on temperature?
A: Yes, K_b is temperature-dependent as it involves the square of the boiling point temperature.
Q4: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The formula assumes ideal solution behavior and that the solute is non-volatile and non-electrolytic.
Q5: How is K_b used in practical applications?
A: It's used to determine molecular weights of unknown compounds and to calculate boiling point elevations in various industrial processes.