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The van't Hoff Factor ($i$) for a dilute aqueous solution of $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$ is

This question was previously asked in
WBJEE 2026 Physics and Chemistry Question Paper (24-May-2026)
The correct answer is
$1 + 2\alpha$

Calculating van't Hoff Factor for $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$

The van't Hoff factor ($i$) quantifies the effect of solute behavior in solution relative to non-electrolytes. For electrolytes like sodium sulfate ($\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$), it depends on the number of ions formed and the degree of dissociation ($\alpha$).

Sodium Sulfate Dissociation

In a dilute aqueous solution, sodium sulfate ($\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$) dissociates into ions:

$ \text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4} \rightarrow 2\text{Na}^{+} + \text{SO}_{4}^{2-} $

From the dissociation equation, one formula unit of $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$ produces 3 ions (two $\text{Na}^{+}$ and one $\text{SO}_{4}^{2-}$). Therefore, the number of ions, $n$, is 3.

Van't Hoff Factor Formula

The van't Hoff factor ($i$) is calculated using the formula:

$ i = 1 + (n-1)\alpha $

Where $n$ is the number of ions produced upon dissociation and $\alpha$ is the degree of dissociation.

Calculating $i$ for $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$

Substituting $n=3$ for $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$ into the formula:

$ i = 1 + (3-1)\alpha $

$ i = 1 + 2\alpha $

Thus, the van't Hoff factor ($i$) for a dilute aqueous solution of $\text{Na}_{2}\text{SO}_{4}$ is $1 + 2\alpha$. This corresponds to Option D.

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