Chapter 7: Problem 69
The vapour density of \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) at a certain temperature is 30\. What is the percentage dissociation of \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) at this temperature? (a) \(53.3\) (b) \(106.6\) (c) \(26.7\) (d) none of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
None of these. Percentage dissociation is approximately 67.4\%.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Vapour Density
Vapour density is defined as the mass of a certain volume of a substance compared to the mass of an equal volume of hydrogen. The vapour density (VD) of a compound is equal to half of its molecular weight (MW). We'll use this relationship: \[ \text{VD} = \frac{\text{MW}}{2} \] to find the molecular weight if it wasn't dissociated.
02
Calculate Molecular Weight of \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \)
The molecular weight of \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \) can be calculated by summing the atomic masses: \[ \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} = 2 \times 14 + 4 \times 16 = 92 \] So, if it wasn't dissociated, the vapour density would be:\[ \text{VD} = \frac{MW}{2} = \frac{92}{2} = 46 \]
03
Compare Given Vapour Density with Calculated
The given vapour density is 30. Comparing this with the undissociated value of 46:\[ 46 - 30 = 16 \] The difference suggests dissociation since the vapour density is lower than expected for a non-dissociated compound.
04
Relate Dissociation to Vapour Density
Assume that some of the \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \) dissociates into \( 2\mathrm{NO}_{2} \). Thus:\[ \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \rightleftharpoons 2\mathrm{NO}_{2} \] The mole ratio changes from 1:0 to 1-x:x, or to \( 1-x \) for \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \) and \( 2x \) for \( \mathrm{NO}_{2} \), making the total moles \( 1-x+2x=1+x \).
05
Derive Formula for Percentage Dissociation
Since vapour density changes with moles and dissociation:\[ \text{Effective vapour density} = \frac{M}{1+x} \]Using given vapour density and assuming equilibrium we get:\[ 30 = \frac{92}{1+x} \]Rearrange:\[ 1+x = \frac{92}{30} \approx 3.067 \]Then, solving for \( x \):\[ x = 3.067 - 1 \approx 2.067 \]
06
Calculate Percentage Dissociation
Percentage dissociation is calculated using:\[ \text{Percentage dissociation} = \frac{x}{1+x} \times 100 \% \approx \frac{2.067}{3.067} \times 100 = 67.4 \% \]
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vapour Density
Vapour density is a concept that provides a measure of a gas's density compared to hydrogen. It is calculated by taking the mass of a given volume of the substance and comparing it to the mass of an equivalent volume of hydrogen. This is expressed through:
- Vapour density is defined as half the molecular weight of a compound.
- The formula is: \[ \text{VD} = \frac{\text{MW}}{2} \]
Molecular Weight
Molecular weight, also known as molecular mass, is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule. This is an important factor in predicting how different molecules will behave under given conditions. For example:
- To find the molecular weight of \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \), sum up the atomic masses: 2 atoms of nitrogen (N) and 4 atoms of oxygen (O).
- The formula is: \[ \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} = 2 \times 14 + 4 \times 16 = 92 \]
Dissociation Percentage
Dissociation percentage helps us understand how much of a compound has broken down into its constituent parts at a certain condition, commonly under heat or pressure. When a compound dissociates, it shifts the balance in the molecular setup, directly affecting the vapour density.
- For \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \), dissociation into \( 2\mathrm{NO}_{2} \) occurs, altering the compound's properties.
- Use the formula: \[ \text{Percentage dissociation} = \frac{x}{1+x} \times 100 \% \] where \( x \) is the fraction of dissociation.
- In practice, after determining the effective vapour density and rearranging equations, solving gives \( x \), allowing us to calculate the percentage dissociation.