Osmolality is measured by detecting a change in which property?

Osmolality is measured by detecting a change in which property?

• A. freezing point
• B. osmotic pressure
• C. midpoint
• D. sedimentation point

Answer: (A)

Osmolality is determined by freezing point depression. When solutes are present, the solution’s freezing point drops—the more solute particles, the greater the decrease. This relationship is captured by ΔTf = iKf m, linking osmolality to how much the freezing point is lowered. That’s why freezing point change is the property measured by typical osmometers. Osmotic pressure is another colligative effect but not the standard measurement method here, and midpoint or sedimentation point aren’t relevant properties for assessing osmolality.

Osmolality is determined by freezing point depression. When solutes are present, the solution’s freezing point drops—the more solute particles, the greater the decrease. This relationship is captured by ΔTf = iKf m, linking osmolality to how much the freezing point is lowered. That’s why freezing point change is the property measured by typical osmometers. Osmotic pressure is another colligative effect but not the standard measurement method here, and midpoint or sedimentation point aren’t relevant properties for assessing osmolality.