What does “van't Hoff factor (i)” actually mean in Solutions & Colligative Properties, and why does it matter for JEE?
the number of particles one formula unit gives in solution — about 2 for NaCl, 3 for CaCl₂, 1 for glucose.
In simple words: the number of particles one formula unit gives in solution — about 2 for NaCl, 3 for CaCl₂, 1 for glucose. Getting van't Hoff factor (i) clear matters because JEE questions on Solutions & Colligative Properties usually test this idea directly, not just a formula you memorised.
Key point
van't Hoff factor (i)
Common mistake
ignoring dissociation, so predicting equal effects for salt and sugar.
Memory tip
multiply the colligative effect by i for anything that dissociates.
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