Study Guides/Chemistry/Ideal vs Non-Ideal Solution
Study Guide · Chemistry

Difference Between Ideal and Non-Ideal Solution

In Class 12 Chemistry (Solutions chapter), liquid-liquid solutions are broadly classified into two categories based on how they obey Raoult's Law: Ideal Solutions and Non-Ideal Solutions.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is an ideal solution?

Answer

An ideal solution is a mixture that exactly obeys Raoult's Law at all concentrations. When mixed, there is no change in volume and no heat is released or absorbed.

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Key Facts

Ideal Solution: Obeys Raoult's Law, ΔH=0, ΔV=0.

Non-Ideal Solution: Disobeys Raoult's Law, ΔH≠0, ΔV≠0.

Positive Deviation: Mixture forces are weaker (vapor pressure increases).

Negative Deviation: Mixture forces are stronger (vapor pressure decreases).

1. Ideal Solutions

An ideal solution is one that strictly obeys Raoult's Law at all concentrations and temperatures.

  • Intermolecular Forces: The attractive forces between A-A and B-B (pure liquids) are exactly the same as A-B (the mixture).
  • Enthalpy Change (ΔH_mix): 0. (No heat is absorbed or evolved when mixed).
  • Volume Change (ΔV_mix): 0. (If you mix 50ml A + 50ml B, the total volume is exactly 100ml).
  • Examples: Benzene + Toluene, n-Hexane + n-Heptane.

2. Non-Ideal Solutions

A non-ideal solution does not obey Raoult's Law.

  • Intermolecular Forces: The A-B interactions in the mixture are either stronger or weaker than the pure A-A and B-B interactions.
  • Enthalpy Change (ΔH_mix): Not 0. (The beaker might get hot or cold when mixed).
  • Volume Change (ΔV_mix): Not 0. (Mixing 50ml + 50ml might result in 99ml or 101ml).
  • Examples: Ethanol + Acetone (Positive deviation), Chloroform + Acetone (Negative deviation).

Summary Table

PropertyIdeal SolutionNon-Ideal Solution
Raoult's LawObeys strictlyDoes not obey
ΔH (Enthalpy of mix)ZeroNot Zero (Endo/Exothermic)
ΔV (Volume of mix)ZeroNot Zero (Expands/Contracts)
InteractionsA-B = A-A & B-BA-B ≠ A-A & B-B

Questions and Answers

What is an ideal solution?+

An ideal solution is a mixture that exactly obeys Raoult's Law at all concentrations. When mixed, there is no change in volume and no heat is released or absorbed.

What is the difference between ideal and non-ideal solutions?+

Ideal solutions obey Raoult's Law (ΔH=0, ΔV=0) because solute-solvent interactions are identical to pure states. Non-ideal solutions do not obey Raoult's Law (ΔH≠0, ΔV≠0) because the new interactions are either stronger or weaker.

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