Question 10

A compound i is distributed in a two-phase system (phases 1 and 2) at equilibrium. If one doubles the volume of phase 1 in the system without adding compound i (i.e., one dilutes compound i in phase A) what can be said about the new equilibrium concentrations of i in phases 1 and 2?

Answer: The dilution will cause a net migration of molecules i from phase 2 to the diluted phase 1 until a new equilibrium, that again obeys the partition constant, is attained. Hence, the new equilibrium concentrations in both phases 1 and 2 will be smaller than they were originally prior to increasing the volume of phase 1.

Download this page as a pdf