The depression in freezing point of water observed for the same amount of acetic acid, trichloroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid increases in the order given above. Explain briefly.

Explanation

Increasing order of `DeltaT_(f)(` depression in freezing point `)` is `:`
Acetic acid `lt` TriCHMloroaceic acid `lt` Trifluoroacetic acid

Due to high electronegativity of `F` atom, it exerts greater `-I(` inductive effect`)`. Consequenctly, `III` is the strongest acid and `I` is the weakest acid. Hence `III` ionized to the largest extent and ionizes to the minimum extent to give ions in their solutions in water. `DeltaT_(f)` is directly proportional to the number of ions. Hence, the above order.