Which of the following describes the relationship between the concentration of a solute and its effect on boiling point elevation?

The relationship between the concentration of a solute and its effect on boiling point elevation is indeed directly proportional. This means that as the concentration of a solute in a solvent increases, the boiling point of the solution also increases. This phenomenon is a result of colligative properties, which are properties that depend on the number of solute particles in a given amount of solvent rather than the nature of the solute.

When a non-volatile solute is added to a solvent, such as water, it disrupts the formation of vapor above the liquid by lowering the vapor pressure. According to Raoult's Law, the boiling point of the solution is elevated compared to that of the pure solvent. Specifically, the change in boiling point is proportional to the molal concentration of the solute particles. This means that for every mole of solute added, there is a consistent increase in boiling point, demonstrating a direct relationship.

This understanding is crucial in various applications, such as cooking, where adding salt to water raises its boiling point, allowing food to cook more effectively. Also, this principle is important in industries that require precise temperature controls in chemical processes.