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Chapter 9: Problem 56

In estimating the boiling point and melting point of bromine in Example \(9-5,\) could we have used Celsius or Fahrenheit instead of Kelvin temperature? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The boiling point and melting point of bromine could have been estimated in Celsius or Fahrenheit, however, the Kelvin scale is preferred because it is an absolute scale that accurately represents thermal energy from absolute zero, making it directly related to the inherent thermal energy in matter, which determines properties like boiling and melting points.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Different Temperature Scales

Understand the different temperature scales - Kelvin, Fahrenheit, and Celsius. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale used in physical sciences and engineering to describe thermodynamic temperature. The important property to notice is that Zero Kelvin corresponds to absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where no heat energy remains in a substance.
02

Consider Celsius and Fahrenheit Scales

Celsius and Fahrenheit scales, on the other hand, are relative scales and their zero points are based on arbitrary definitions. 0 degree Celsius is based on the freezing point of water and does not represent absence of heat energy. Equally, 0 degree Fahrenheit doesn't represent an absence of heat energy.
03

Connection with Boiling and Melting Points

Boiling and melting points are properties that depend on the intermolecular forces in the material, and these forces are determined by the inherent thermal energy in the molecules. Since Kelvin scale accurately represents this inherent thermal energy from absolute zero, it is the preferred scale while dealing with these phenomena.
04

Conclude

Although it would be possible to convert Kelvin temperatures to Celsius or Fahrenheit and work in those units, using Kelvin simplifies matters and retains the direct relationship with thermal energy. Hence, using Kelvin temperature for estimation of boiling point and melting point is the preferred option.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The following melting points are in degrees Celsius. Show that melting point is a periodic property of these elements: $\mathrm{Al}, 660 ; \mathrm{Ar},-189 ; \mathrm{Be}, 1278 ; \mathrm{B}, 2300 ; \mathrm{C}$ $3350 ; \mathrm{Cl},-101 ; \mathrm{F},-220 ; \mathrm{Li}, 179 ; \mathrm{Mg}, 651 ; \mathrm{Ne},-249 ; \mathrm{N}$ $-210 ; \mathrm{O},-218 ; \mathrm{P}, 590 ; \mathrm{Si}, 1410 ; \mathrm{Na}, 98 ; \mathrm{S}, 119.$

Briefly describe each of the following ideas or phenomena: (a) the periodic law; (b) ionization energy; (c) electron affinity; (d) paramagnetism.

Write electron configurations to show the first two ionizations for Cs. Explain why the second ionization energy is much greater than the first.

Two elements, \(A\) and \(B\), have the electron configurations shown. $$ \mathrm{A}=[\mathrm{Kr}] 4 s^{2} \quad \mathrm{B}=[\mathrm{Ar}] 3 d^{10} 4 s^{2} 4 p^{5} $$ (a) Which element is a metal? (b) Which element has the greater ionization energy? (c) Which element has the larger atomic radius? (d) Which element has the greater electron affinity?

For the atom \(^{119} \mathrm{Sn}\), indicate the number of (a) protons in the nucleus; (b) neutrons in the nucleus; (c) \(4 d\) electrons; (d) 3s electrons; (e) 5 \(p\) electrons; (f) electrons in the valence shell.
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