Characterize EACH of the three given statements as being TRUE or FALSE and then indicate the collective true-false status of the statements using the choices. (1) The osmolarity of a 3.0 M NaCl solution is greater than the osmolarity of a 2.0 M Na₂SO₄ solution.
(2) A solution with just two components must always be a liquid.
(3) Red blood cells will shrink in size when placed in an isotonic solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1) False. The osmolarity of a solution depends on the total concentration of solute particles in solution. NaCl dissociates into two particles (Na+ and Cl-), while the formula for the second compound suggests it would dissociate into more particles, making its osmolarity potentially higher even at a lower molarity. 2) False. A solution can be in any phase (gas, liquid, or solid) as long as it consists of a solvent and a solute uniformly distributed. 3) False. Red blood cells in an isotonic solution will not shrink; they maintain their size because the osmotic pressure inside and outside the cells is equal.

Characterize EACH of the Three Given Statements as Being TRUE