Question:

Which of the following colligative properties is useful to determine the molar masses of proteins, polymers or colloids, with the greatest precision?

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Osmotic pressure is large enough to measure at low concentrations and at room temperature.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Elevation in boiling point
  • Depression in freezing point
  • Osmotic pressure
  • Relative lowering of vapour pressure
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Large molecules such as proteins and polymers have low solubility and a very high molar mass, so their solutions have a tiny mole fraction.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation
For such solutions, boiling point elevation, freezing point depression and vapour pressure lowering are too small to measure accurately.
Osmotic pressure \(\pi = CRT\) is large even for very dilute solutions. It can be measured at room temperature, which also avoids heating that could damage biomolecules. So osmotic pressure gives the greatest precision for molar mass of macromolecules.

Final Answer:
Osmotic pressure is used, option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{Osmotic pressure}} \]
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