Colligative properties: Are those properties of solutions that depend on the number of dissolved particles in solution, but not on the identities of the solutes. Or,
Colligative properties of solutions: Are properties that depend upon the concentration of solute molecules or ions, but not upon the identity of the solute. Or,
Colligative properties: Are the properties which are strictly dependent on the number of solute particles, but not on its nature.
Measurement of colligative properties for a dilute solution of a non-ionized solute such as urea or glucose in water or another solvent can lead to determinations of relative molar masses, both for small molecules and for polymers which cannot be studied by other means. Alternatively, measurements for ionized solutes can lead to an estimation of the percentage of ionization taking place.
There are four types of colligative properties
(i) Relative lowering in vapour pressure (RLVP)
(ii) Elevation of boiling point (EBP)
(iii) Depression of freezing point (EFP)
(iv) Osmotic pressure (OP)
