What is the effect of adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent?

Adding a non-volatile solute to a solvent elevates the boiling point of the solvent due to a phenomenon known as boiling point elevation. This occurs because the presence of solute molecules disrupts the formation of vapor bubbles within the liquid. As a result, a higher temperature is required for the vapor pressure of the solution to equal the atmospheric pressure, leading to an increase in boiling point.

Boiling point elevation is a colligative property, which means that it depends on the number of solute particles in the solution rather than the identity of those particles. This principle is particularly important in various applications, such as cooking and antifreeze formulations, where controlling boiling points is essential.

In contrast, while the reduction of freezing point and changes in viscosity might also occur with a solute, they are not the main focus of this specific question regarding boiling point elevation. The change in color of the solvent is generally not a characteristic of adding a non-volatile solute.