colligative properties

Colligative properties are changes in a solution's physical properties that depend on the number of solute particles, not their identity. Key examples include boiling point elevation (the boiling point rises), freezing point depression (the freezing point lowers), vapor pressure lowering, and osmotic pressure. These properties illustrate how solutes affect the behavior of solvents, such as water, by disrupting their molecular interactions. For instance, adding salt to water raises its boiling point, which is why saltwater boils at a higher temperature than pure water. Understanding these properties is essential in chemistry and various practical applications, like cooking and cryoprotection.