Lab 1 / Colligative Properties & Osmotic Pressure

Purpose / Introduction
The purpose of this lab experiment is to observe and compare the freezing points of a
pure solvent and a solvent mixed with a nonvolatile solute in a solution. Unlike most properties,
the freezing point of a solution depends on the number of solute particles present in the solution.
It should be expected that they results of this part of the experiment will show that the freezing
point of the pure solvent will be greater than that of the solution.
In addition to observing the freezing points, the experiment also allows the viewer to
observe and develop and understanding of osmosis: the principle dialysis is based on. Osmosis
is the practice of particles moving between different concentrations via a semi-permeable
membrane until equilibrium is met. To stop particles from passing through the semi-permeable
membrane, a pressure is needed; this pressure is called osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is
also dependent on the number of solute particles presented. It should be expected that the Karo
syrup in the dialysis tubing will travel through the semi-permeable membrane into the distilled
water until equilibrium is met. If the pores in the tubing are large enough, the distilled water will
do the same, but into the tubing; if the pores are too small to allow the distilled water molecules
to pass through, the dialysis tubing will shrink as the syrup leaves the tubing.
Materials and Methods
Part I: Colligative Properties
To start the procedure of this part of the experiment, a water bath is made with cool tap
water, crushed ice, and a sprinkle of salt thoroughly mixed together. A test tube will be filled
with distilled water and then placed in the well plate. The temperature of the distilled water will
be observed and recorded every 30 seconds using a stopwatch until a constant temperature is
achieved. The test tube is then placed in the water bath, and the temperature is recorded every 30
seconds until five consecutive readings are recorded. The test tube is then removed from the
water bath and emptied. Repeat the above method, this time adding a fraction of a teaspoon of
salt to the distilled water; mix until dissolved before taking temperatures and placing the tube in
the ice bath. Once completed, pour the water bath and test tube contents down the drain, clean
up equipment and work space. Make two graphs depicting the results of the pure water and the
salt solution. Each graph will have two types of linear regions; draw the best lines of fit
extending them until they intersect; these intersection points are the points recorded as freezing
points.
Part II: Osmotic Pressure
Sugar Solution
Fill a bowl with distilled water, and fully submerge a dialysis tube to soak for 20-30
minutes. When time is up, remove the dialysis tubing from the water, place it on a paper towel,
and pour the distilled water down the sink; wash the bowl and refill with distilled water. Tie off
one end of the dialysis tubing with the rubber band tight enough to avoid leakage. Fill the
dialysis tubing with Karo syrup using a funnel to keep the syrup from getting on the outside of
the tubing; tie off the other end to prevent leakage. Submerge the Karo-filled tubing in the
distilled water in the bowl. Over the next several hours, observe and record the tubing. Clean up
the experiment by pouring liquids down the drain, clean materials, throw away the used dialysis
tube, and clean up the work space.

Raw Egg
Pick a crack-free egg. Observe and record the egg before gently placing it in a jar. Cover
the egg in white vinegar, and set it aside for 12-24 hours. Observe and record the egg as the shell
dissolves. After the shell is dissolved, carefully remove the egg from the vinegar and gently
rinse it under cool tape water; DO NOT break the membrane. The jar should be rinsed and then
filled with Karo syrup. Carefully place the egg in the syrup, and let it sit for another 12-24
hours; observe and record during this time. Once again, remove the egg from the jar and gently
wash it with cool tap water; observations should be recorded. Dispose the egg in the trash or
garbage disposal; the syrup can be rinsed down the sink. Clean up the work space.
Safety
For this experiment goggles should be worn. In Part I, care should be taken to not let the
distilled water freeze in the test tube; otherwise, the thermometer may break. Additionally, after
handing NaOH , hands should be washed.