An ideal solution is a theoretical model where the enthalpy of mixing is zero. This occurs when intermolecular forces between unlike molecules (A-B) are equal in strength to the average of forces between like molecules (A-A and B-B). In such solutions, volume is additive, and components obey Raoult’s law across the entire concentration range, with an activity coefficient of one.
The concept of an ideal solution is a cornerstone of chemical thermodynamics, providing a simplified model against which real solutions can be compared. The strict thermodynamic definition of an ideal solution requires that the chemical potential of each component ‘i’ follows the relation [latex]\mu_i(T, P, x_i) = \mu_i^*(T, P) + RT \ln x_i[/latex]. This leads to two key macroscopic properties: the enthalpy of mixing ([latex]\Delta H_{mix}[/latex]) is zero, and the volume of mixing ([latex]\Delta V_{mix}[/latex]) is zero. A zero enthalpy of mixing implies no heat is absorbed or released when components are mixed, which is a direct consequence of the uniform intermolecular forces.
This uniformity of forces means that a molecule ‘A’ experiences the same energetic environment whether it is surrounded by other ‘A’ molecules or by ‘B’ molecules. This condition is only met when the components are very similar in size, structure, and polarity. Classic examples of nearly ideal solutions include mixtures of benzene and toluene, or n-hexane and n-heptane. In reality, no solution is perfectly ideal, but this model is invaluable for developing a foundational understanding of solution properties before introducing complexities like activity coefficients to account for non-ideal behavior in real-world systems.
DISPONIBLE POUR DE NOUVEAUX DÉFIS
Ingénieur mécanique, chef de projet, ingénierie des procédés ou R&D
Disponible pour un nouveau défi dans un court délai.
Contactez-moi sur LinkedIn
Intégration électronique métal-plastique, Conception à coût réduit, BPF, Ergonomie, Appareils et consommables de volume moyen à élevé, Production allégée, Secteurs réglementés, CE et FDA, CAO, Solidworks, Lean Sigma Black Belt, ISO 13485 médical
Nous recherchons un nouveau sponsor
Votre entreprise ou institution est dans le domaine de la technique, de la science ou de la recherche ?
> envoyez-nous un message <
Recevez tous les nouveaux articles
Gratuit, pas de spam, email non distribué ni revendu
ou vous pouvez obtenir votre adhésion complète - gratuitement - pour accéder à tout le contenu restreint >ici<
(si la date est inconnue ou non pertinente, par exemple « mécanique des fluides », une estimation arrondie de son émergence notable est fournie)
Inventions, innovations et principes techniques connexes
{{titre}}
{% si extrait %}{{ excerpt | truncatewords : 55 }}
{% endif %}
