Chapter 11: Problem 53

Consider a system composed of water vapor and liquid at equilibrium at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) . Do the molecules of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) in the vapor have more kinetic energy than molecules in the liquid do? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Yes, at the same temperature, water molecules in the vapor phase have more kinetic energy than in the liquid phase. The energy required to break the intermolecular bonds in the liquid phase is transferred to the vapor phase as kinetic energy.

Step by step solution

Understanding Kinetic Energy at a Molecular Level

Firstly, it is important to comprehend that the average kinetic energy of molecules in any substance is proportional to the temperature of the substance. However, the total energy consists not only of kinetic energy (movement of molecules), but also potential energy (intermolecular forces or bonds).

Comparing Potential Energies

Potential energy is much larger in the liquid phase in comparison to the gas phase. This is due to the fact that in the liquid phase, molecules are much closer together and have stronger intermolecular forces (compared to the gas phase where they are further apart and move more freely ). These intermolecular forces or bonds are broken when a substance evaporates, which requires energy.

Interpret Kinetic Energy in both Phases

Therefore, at the same temperature, molecules of H2O in the vapor phase have more kinetic energy compared to molecules in the liquid phase because the energy used to break the bonds in the liquid phase (increased potential energy) is now available as kinetic (movement) energy in the gas phase.

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Consider a system composed of water vapor and liquid at equilibrium at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) . Do the molecules of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) in the vapor have more kinetic energy than molecules in the liquid do? Explain.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Kinetic Energy at a Molecular Level

Comparing Potential Energies

Interpret Kinetic Energy in both Phases

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