Two solutions are said to be isotonic if they have the same osmotic pressure (π) at a given temperature . The osmotic pressure is given by the formula π=CRT, where C is the molar concentration .
For isotonic solutions:
π1=π2⟹C1RT=C2RT⟹C1=C2
- Calculate Concentration of Urea (C1):
Concentration given = 10 g/dm3=10 g/L. Molar mass of urea = 60 g mol−1.
- C1=6010 mol L−1.
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Calculate Concentration of Unknown Solute (C2):
Concentration given = 5%. In the context of osmotic pressure problems where density is not provided, this is interpreted as mass/volume percentage (w/v), meaning 5 g solute in 100 mL solution. Concentration in g/L = 5 g×100 mL1000 mL=50 g/L.
Let the molecular mass of the unknown solute be M2. C2=M250 mol L−1.
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Equate and Solve:
6010=M250 M2=1050×60=300 g mol−1.