Determine the solute’s formula
Identify whether the solute is a nonelectrolyte, weak electrolyte, or strong electrolyte
For nonelectrolytes, set van’t Hoff factor (i = 1)
For strong electrolytes, count the number of ions produced per formula unit
For weak electrolytes, use the degree of dissociation to calculate (i)
Apply (i = 1 + alpha(n – 1)) for dissociation, where (alpha) is the degree of dissociation and (n) is the number of ions formed
Apply (i = 1 – alpha(n – 1)) for association, where (alpha) is the degree of association and (n) is the number of particles combining
Use colligative property data if needed:
(i = dfrac{text{observed colligative property}}{text{calculated colligative property}})
For molar mass calculations, use (i = dfrac{text{normal molar mass}}{text{observed molar mass}})
Verify the result against the expected particle count in solution