State the two colligative properties that can be measured by osmometers.la

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Colligative Properties Measured by Osmometers

Two Colligative Properties Measured by Osmometers

Colligative properties are physical properties of solutions that depend solely on the number of dissolved solute particles, not their chemical identity. In clinical laboratories, osmometers are devices used to determine the osmolality of body fluids by measuring specific colligative properties.

🔬 1. Freezing Point Depression

Freezing point depression is the lowering of the freezing point of a solvent when a solute is dissolved in it. This is the most widely used method in clinical osmometers due to its accuracy and applicability to various biological fluids.

Example: A serum sample containing salts and glucose will freeze at a lower temperature than pure water.

💨 2. Vapor Pressure Lowering

Vapor pressure lowering is the decrease in the vapor pressure of a solvent when non-volatile solutes are added. This method is also used in osmometers, although it is less common and less suitable when volatile solutes (like alcohols) are present.

Example: A saline solution will have a lower vapor pressure than pure water, indicating higher osmolality.

Both methods are essential in clinical diagnostics to monitor the osmotic balance in body fluids such as blood, plasma, and urine.

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