What is the osmolarity of #0.5*mol*L^-1# solution of magnesium sulfate?

1 Answer
Aug 11, 2017

The #"osmolarity"# of #0.5*mol*L^-1# #MgSO_4# is #1.0*mol*L^-1#....

Explanation:

#"Osmolarity"# is the concentration of a solution expressed as the total number of #"solute particles"# per litre.....

In aqueous solution, magnesium sulfate speciates to give two moles of ions.......i.e.

#MgSO_4stackrel(H_2O)rarrMg^(2+) + SO_4^(2-)#

Charge and mass are balanced as is absolutely required.

And since magnesium sulfate gives rise to TWO EQUIVS of soluble ions, the osmolarity is equal to TWICE the molarity of #Na_2SO_4#. What is the osmolarity of #0.5*mol*L^-1# #Al(NO_3)_3#.....?