Question:
Which one of the following products has the lowest a_w?
Which one of the following products has the lowest a_w?
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Sweetened condensed milk has $a_w \approx 0.83\text{--}0.85$ due to high sucrose concentration ($> 40\%$), inhibiting bacterial proliferation.
Updated On: Sep 15, 2026
- Cream
- Ice Cream
- Whole milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Water activity ($a_w$) is the ratio of the vapor pressure of water in food to that of pure water at the same temperature.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The addition of soluble solutes (especially sucrose and lactose) depress water activity according to Raoult's law.
Sweetened condensed milk contains approximately $40\text{--}45\%$ added sucrose, which depresses its water activity to $a_w \approx 0.83\text{--}0.85$, preventing bacterial growth.
In contrast, whole milk, cream, and unfrozen ice cream mix have high water activities ($a_w > 0.97\text{--}0.99$).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, sweetened condensed milk has the lowest $a_w$ among the given products.
Water activity ($a_w$) is the ratio of the vapor pressure of water in food to that of pure water at the same temperature.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The addition of soluble solutes (especially sucrose and lactose) depress water activity according to Raoult's law.
Sweetened condensed milk contains approximately $40\text{--}45\%$ added sucrose, which depresses its water activity to $a_w \approx 0.83\text{--}0.85$, preventing bacterial growth.
In contrast, whole milk, cream, and unfrozen ice cream mix have high water activities ($a_w > 0.97\text{--}0.99$).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, sweetened condensed milk has the lowest $a_w$ among the given products.
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