Sample interview questions: Describe the behavior of ideal solutions and their thermodynamic properties.
Sample answer:
Ideal Solutions
- Definition: Solutions where the intermolecular forces between solute and solvent particles are identical to those between pure solute and solvent particles. This results in no heat or volume change upon mixing.
- Behavior:
- Same vapor pressure as pure solvent
- Linear relationship between temperature and pressure
- Partial molar volumes and enthalpies are independent of composition
Thermodynamic Properties
- Gibbs Free Energy:
- Lower than for non-ideal solutions
- Mixing is a spontaneous process
- Entropy of Mixing:
- Positive, indicating an increase in disorder
- Heat of Mixing:
- Zero for ideal solutions
- Volume of Mixing:
- Negligible change, as the inter… Read full answer