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Chapter 12: Problem 89

Which of these indicates very strong intermolecular forces in a liquid: (a) a very low surface tension, (b) a very low critical temperature, (c) a very low boiling point, (d) a very low vapor pressure?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option (d) indicates very strong intermolecular forces in a liquid: a very low vapor pressure.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are forces of attraction between molecules. These forces significantly affect a substance's physical properties. Very strong intermolecular forces would suggest that the molecules in a liquid are tightly held together.
02

Analyzing Surface Tension

Surface tension refers to the 'skin' that forms on the surface of a liquid. It arises because the molecules on the surface of a liquid are more attracted to the molecules inside the liquid (due to intermolecular forces) than to the molecules in the air above. A very low surface tension would imply weak intermolecular forces, not strong ones.
03

Analyzing Critical Temperature

Critical temperature refers to the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid. A very low critical temperature would indicate that the liquid quickly transitions to a gaseous state, suggesting weak intermolecular forces, not strong ones.
04

Analyzing Boiling Point

Boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas. The higher the boiling point, the stronger the intermolecular forces because more energy (heat) is required to break the forces holding the molecules together in the liquid state. A very low boiling point means that it takes less energy to break the intermolecular forces, so this suggests weak intermolecular forces, not strong ones.
05

Analyzing Vapor Pressure

Vapor pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phase at a given temperature. A very low vapor pressure suggests that the liquid is slow to evaporate, implying that the intermolecular forces are strong enough to keep the molecules in the liquid state. Therefore, a liquid with very strong intermolecular forces would have a very low vapor pressure.

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