Question

Which of the following experimental methods is adopted to determine osmotic pressure? (a) Berkley-Hartely's method (b) Beckmann's method (c) Landsberger's method (d) Differential method

Short answer

Beckmann's method is adopted to determine osmotic pressure.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct method for measuring osmotic pressure

To find the experimental method used to determine osmotic pressure, recall from your studies the method that's specifically designed for this purpose. Each method listed might be associated with a particular type of measurement or experiment. Berkley-Hartley's method is not known for measuring osmotic pressure. Similarly, Landsberger's and Differential methods are not commonly associated with measuring osmotic pressure. The Beckmann's method, however, is recognized for measuring the osmotic pressure of solutions.

Key concepts

Berkley-Hartley's Method

The Berkley-Hartley's method is a technique known for its use in determining the molecular weight of substances. It relies on precise measurements of freezing point depression of a solvent caused by the dissolved solute. While this method offers valuable insights into the properties of solutions, it is important to note that it is not primarily used for the measurement of osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure, related to the tendency of solvent molecules to travel across a semipermeable membrane to equalize solute concentration, requires different methodologies for direct measurement.

Beckmann's Method

Beckmann's method is the correct approach for measuring osmotic pressure specifically. This method relies on the fundamental principle that osmotic pressure is analogous to gas pressure, and therefore, it can be measured using a manometer. The Beckmann osmometer is an apparatus designed for this purpose, allowing for the measurement of the osmotic pressure of a solvent based on the height difference of the mercury column in response to the osmotic flow of the solvent molecules through a semipermeable membrane.

The Beckmann's method is highly respected for its precision and has been instrumental in the study of colligative properties, which are properties of solutions that depend on the concentration of the solute particles, irrespective of their nature.

Landsberger's Method

Landsberger's method is another scientific process, but unlike Beckmann's method, it is not commonly associated with the measurement of osmotic pressure. Landsberger's method is traditionally linked to the analysis of metals, especially in the context of spectroscopy and other applications in physical chemistry. Thus, when focusing specifically on the domain of osmotic pressure, Landsberger's method does not apply.

For students seeking to understand osmotic pressure measurements, it's essential to differentiate between the methods that are relevant to the study of solutions and those employed in disparate fields of chemistry, such as Landsberger's method.

Differential Method

The Differential method, as used in various scientific arenas, generally refers to a comparative technique where differences between two conditions, substances, or reactions are investigated. In the context of osmotic pressure measurement, this term could suggest a process where differences in properties are used to ascertain osmotic pressure. However, there is no standard 'Differential method' recognized in textbooks or scientific literature for this specific purpose.

As a result, when textbooks or educators refer to measurement techniques for osmotic pressure, the Differential method is not a likely candidate, and its mention may lead to confusion among students. It is crucial for students learning about properties of solutions to become well-acquainted with Beckmann's method as the recognized technique for osmotic pressure measurements.