Ideal Solution vs. Non Ideal Solution: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 19, 2023
An ideal solution follows Raoult's law with components having similar intermolecular forces, while a non-ideal solution deviates from this law.
Key Differences
An ideal solution is a mixture of solvents and solutes that obeys Raoult's law across all concentrations. This means that the vapor pressure of each component in the solution is directly proportional to its mole fraction. A non-ideal solution, on the other hand, deviates from Raoult's law.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
The formation of an ideal solution is accompanied by neither absorption nor evolution of heat. In contrast, the formation of a non-ideal solution may result in the absorption or release of heat, indicating interactions differing from those in the pure components.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
In an ideal solution, there is no volume change upon mixing; the total volume of the solution is equal to the sum of the volumes of its components. This is not the case for a non-ideal solution, where the volume may increase or decrease upon mixing.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Intermolecular forces between like and unlike molecules are equal in ideal solutions. This means the forces between A-A and B-B molecules are similar to those between A-B molecules. However, in non-ideal solutions, the intermolecular forces between like and unlike molecules are different, leading to deviations from ideal behavior.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
While ideal solutions are largely theoretical and are rarely observed in practice, they provide a useful reference for understanding solution behaviors. Non-ideal solutions are more common in real-world scenarios, as most real mixtures exhibit deviations from Raoult's law to some extent.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Raoult's Law
Obeys Raoult's law at all concentrations
Deviates from Raoult's law
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Oct 19, 2023
Heat of Mixing
No heat absorption or evolution
Heat may be absorbed or released
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Intermolecular Forces
A-A and B-B forces similar to A-B forces
A-A and B-B forces different from A-B forces
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
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Ideal Solution and Non Ideal Solution Definitions
Ideal Solution
A mixture where the total volume is the sum of the volumes of its components.
When two truly miscible liquids are mixed, they may form an ideal solution if there's no volume change.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Non Ideal Solution
A mixture where intermolecular forces between different molecules differ from those of like molecules.
A non-ideal solution often forms when components have different types of intermolecular attractions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ideal Solution
A mixture with neither heat absorption nor evolution upon mixing.
Combining two components to create an ideal solution won't result in any temperature change.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Non Ideal Solution
A solution that might release or absorb heat upon mixing.
When the mixture becomes warm or cool spontaneously, it's likely a non-ideal solution.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ideal Solution
A theoretical solution used as a reference in thermodynamics.
Chemists often compare real solutions to an ideal solution to understand deviations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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Non Ideal Solution
A solution that deviates from Raoult's law.
When mixing acetone and chloroform, one gets a non-ideal solution with negative deviations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Ideal Solution
A solution where intermolecular forces between like and unlike molecules are similar.
In an ideal solution, attractions between different types of molecules resemble those within the same type.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Non Ideal Solution
A mixture where the total volume upon mixing isn't the sum of the component volumes.
The unexpected shrinkage when combining two liquids indicates a non-ideal solution.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ideal Solution
A solution that obeys Raoult's law across all concentrations.
An equimolar mixture of benzene and toluene comes close to being an ideal solution.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Non Ideal Solution
A real-world solution exhibiting deviations from ideal behavior.
Most solutions in nature are non-ideal solutions, deviating from theoretical predictions.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
FAQs
Are real-life solutions more often ideal or non-ideal?
Most real-life solutions are non-ideal solutions, with ideal solutions being largely theoretical.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Is there any heat change in an ideal solution upon mixing?
No, an ideal solution has no heat change upon mixing, unlike non-ideal solutions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Are there positive and negative deviations in non-ideal solutions?
Yes, non-ideal solutions can show positive or negative deviations from Raoult's law, unlike consistent ideal solutions.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
What is an ideal solution?
An ideal solution is one that obeys Raoult's law across all concentrations, unlike a non-ideal solution.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What happens to the volume in a non-ideal solution when mixed?
In a non-ideal solution, volume may increase or decrease upon mixing, unlike an ideal solution.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Can non-ideal solutions lead to azeotropes?
Yes, non-ideal solutions can lead to azeotropes, which are not seen in ideal solutions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What's the significance of intermolecular forces in ideal solutions?
In ideal solutions, the intermolecular forces between like and unlike molecules are similar, unlike non-ideal solutions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
How do deviations in non-ideal solutions help in industrial processes?
Deviations in non-ideal solutions can be exploited for separations in industries, unlike consistent ideal solutions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Can deviations in non-ideal solutions be measured?
Yes, deviations in non-ideal solutions can be measured using various techniques, providing insights not necessary in ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are the solute-solvent interactions always ideal?
No, in many cases, solute-solvent interactions lead to non-ideal solutions rather than ideal solutions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
How are ideal solutions useful in chemical engineering?
Ideal solutions help in designing processes and predicting behaviors, though real systems often behave as non-ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can non-ideal solutions have components that are immiscible?
Yes, non-ideal solutions can have components that are partially or completely immiscible, unlike consistently miscible ideal solutions.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Do ideal solutions exist in nature?
While some solutions come close, truly ideal solutions are rare, with most being non-ideal.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What drives the formation of a non-ideal solution?
Non-ideal solutions form due to differences in intermolecular forces between the components, unlike ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are colligative properties affected in non-ideal solutions?
Yes, colligative properties can deviate in non-ideal solutions compared to ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is the entropy change always predictable in non-ideal solutions?
Not always. The entropy change in non-ideal solutions might vary, unlike the predictable behavior in ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Do non-ideal solutions always deviate from Raoult's law?
Yes, non-ideal solutions deviate from Raoult's law, while ideal solutions obey it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Why do non-ideal solutions show volume changes upon mixing?
Non-ideal solutions show volume changes due to differences in intermolecular forces, unlike ideal solutions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
How do ideal solutions aid in understanding solution behaviors?
Ideal solutions provide a reference to understand deviations in non-ideal solutions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Why are ideal solutions important in thermodynamics?
Ideal solutions provide a reference point for understanding deviations in real, non-ideal solutions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
