What is the relationship of osmotic pressure (Π) to concentration of solute (M) according to the equation Π = iMRT?

• A. A. It is inversely proportional to the temperature.
• B. B. It directly correlates with the concentration of solute.
• C. C. It is independent of the van't Hoff factor.
• D. D. It decreases with increased pressure.

Answer: (B)

The relationship between osmotic pressure (Π) and the concentration of solute (M) is described by the equation Π = iMRT, where "i" is the van 't Hoff factor, "R" is the ideal gas constant, and "T" is the temperature in Kelvin. This equation clearly indicates that osmotic pressure is directly proportional to the concentration of solute. As the concentration of solute (M) increases, the osmotic pressure also increases, assuming that the other variables (i, R, and T) remain constant. Therefore, an increase in the concentration of solute will lead to a corresponding increase in osmotic pressure, which is the essence of the relationship highlighted in the equation.

Understanding this relationship is vital in the study of solutions and their behaviors, especially in biological systems where osmotic pressure plays a significant role in processes like cell turgor and absorption in the kidneys.