Which of the following statements is true for an electrolytic solution where the degree of
association () is greater than 1?
The observed molecular weight of the solute will be greater than the true molecular weight.
The observed molecular weight of the solute will be equal to the true molecular weight.
The observed molecular weight of the solute will be less than the true molecular weight.
The observed molecular weight of the solute cannot be determined.
Explanation: The degree of association ( ) is defined as the ratio of the observed molecular weight of the solute to its true molecular weight. If
is greater than 1, it means that the solute molecules are associating in the solution to form larger species. Therefore, the observed molecular weight of the solute will be greater than the true molecular weight.