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Chapter 11: Problem 33

What is meant by the statement that a liquid and its vapor in a closed container are in a state of equilibrium?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In a closed container, a liquid and its vapor are in equilibrium when the rate at which the liquid evaporates equals the rate at which the vapor condenses. This equilibrium is indicated by no change in the amounts of the liquid and its vapor over time.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the concept of equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium is when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, and the concentration of the reactants and products remains constant over time. This state does not mean that the reactants and products have the same concentration; rather, it means that their concentrations have stabilized and will not change unless the system is disturbed.
02

Application of equilibrium to a closed system comprising a liquid and its vapor

When a liquid and its vapor are in a closed container, they can reach a state of equilibrium, which means the rate at which the liquid evaporates (transforms from a liquid state to a gaseous state) and the rate at which the vapor condenses (transforms from a gaseous state to a liquid state) are equal. Consequently, there is no change in the concentrations or amounts of liquid and its vapor over time, indicating that the system has reached equilibrium.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Prepare a report about the adjustments that must be made when cooking and baking at high elevations. Collect instructions for high- elevation adjustments from packages of prepared food mixes. Explain why changes must be made in recipes that will be prepared at high elevations. Check your library for cook-books that contain information about food preparation at high elevations.

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Calculate the melting point of acetic acid at standard pressure. The enthalpy of fusion of acetic acid is \(11.54 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol},\) and the entropy of fusion is 39.8 \(\mathrm{J} / \mathrm{mol} \cdot \mathrm{K}\) .

Why is the entropy of a substance higher in the liquid state than in the solid state?

The molar enthalpy of fusion of water is 6.009 \(\mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\) at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) . Explain what this statement means.
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