Ideal and non-ideal solutions | Solutions | Chemistry | Khan Academy

⁣In chemistry, the concept of ideal and non-ideal solutions refers to the behavior of mixtures and the extent to which they adhere to idealized models. Let's explore this further:

Ideal Solutions:
An ideal solution is one where the behavior of the mixture perfectly follows Raoult's law or Henry's law, depending on whether we are dealing with liquid-liquid or gas-liquid solutions, respectively. According to Raoult's law, the vapor pressure of a component in the mixture is directly proportional to its mole fraction in the solution. In an ideal solution, the interactions between the molecules of the components are similar, leading to homogeneous mixing and ideal behavior.

Non-Ideal Solutions:
In contrast, non-ideal solutions deviate from the predictions of Raoult's or Henry's law. These deviations occur due to molecular interactions between the components, such as attractive or repulsive forces. Non-ideal behavior can lead to deviations in vapor pressure, boiling point, freezing point, and various other properties of the mixture.

There are different types of non-ideal solutions, including:

1. Positive Deviations: These occur when the interaction between the components is weaker than between identical molecules. As a result, the vapor pressure of the solution is higher than predicted by Raoult's law. An example of a positive deviation is the mixture of ethanol and water.

2. Negative Deviations: These occur when the interactions between the components are stronger than between identical molecules. This leads to a lower vapor pressure in the mixture compared to that predicted by Raoult's law. An example of a negative deviation is the mixture of chloroform and acetone.

Understanding ideal and non-ideal solutions is crucial in various areas of chemistry, such as designing separation techniques, predicting thermodynamic properties, and understanding the behavior of mixtures in various applications.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic or explore related concepts, TEBtalks offers excellent online resources on chemistry. Their videos and interactive exercises provide comprehensive coverage of ideal and non-ideal solutions, helping you gain a better understanding of this important aspect of chemistry.

Happy learning!