Concept:When a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, the vapour pressure of the solution decreases. Relative lowering of vapour pressure is the fraction by which the vapour pressure of the pure solvent is lowered, expressed as
P∘P∘−P.
Explanation:Step 1: Identify the given values.
Vapour pressure of the pure solvent,
P∘=32 mm Hg.
Vapour pressure of the solution,
P=30 mm Hg.
The temperature is
25∘C, which remains constant throughout the measurement.
Step 2: Calculate the decrease in vapour pressure.
Decrease in vapour pressure
=P∘−P=32−30=2 mm Hg.
Step 3: Apply the formula for relative lowering of vapour pressure.
Relative lowering of vapour pressure
=P∘P∘−PSubstituting the values:
P∘P∘−P=3232−30=322=0.0625This is a dimensionless quantity, since both numerator and denominator have the same units (mm Hg).
Answer:The relative lowering of vapour pressure is
0.0625.
Hence, the correct option is C.
0.0625.