Chapter 11: Problem 50
Methanol, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\), a colorless, volatile liquid, was formerly known as wood alcohol. It boils at \(65.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and has a heat of vaporization of \(37.4 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\). What is its vapor pressure at \(22.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C} ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vapor pressure of methanol at 22.0°C is approximately 0.0087 atm.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
The Clausius-Clapeyron equation relates the vapor pressure and temperature of a liquid. It is given as: \[ \ln \left( \frac{P_2}{P_1} \right) = \frac{-\Delta H_{vap}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{T_2} - \frac{1}{T_1} \right) \] where \(P_1\) and \(P_2\) are the vapor pressures at temperatures \(T_1\) and \(T_2\) respectively, \(\Delta H_{vap}\) is the heat of vaporization, and \(R\) is the ideal gas constant, \(8.314\) J/mol K.
02
Convert Temperature to Kelvin
Convert the temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15. For instance: \[ T_1 = 65.0^{\circ} \text{C} + 273.15 = 338.15 \text{ K} \] \[ T_2 = 22.0^{\circ} \text{C} + 273.15 = 295.15 \text{ K} \]
03
Rearrange the Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
Rearrange the equation to solve for \(P_2\), the unknown vapor pressure at \(22.0^{\circ} \text{C}\). We can assume \(P_1\) is 1 atm at the boiling point for simplification: \[ \ln(P_2) = \ln(P_1) - \frac{-\Delta H_{vap}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{T_2} - \frac{1}{T_1} \right) \] Since \( \ln(1 \text{ atm}) = 0 \), the equation simplifies to: \[ \ln(P_2) = \frac{-\Delta H_{vap}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{T_2} - \frac{1}{T_1} \right) \]
04
Solve for \(P_2\)
Insert the values into the equation. Ensure the heat of vaporization is in the correct units (J/mol) by converting: \( 37.4 \text{ kJ/mol} = 37400 \text{ J/mol} \). Then compute: \[ \ln(P_2) = \frac{-37400}{8.314} \left(\frac{1}{295.15} - \frac{1}{338.15} \right) \] Calculate the right side to find \(\ln(P_2)\), then exponentiate to solve for \(P_2\).
05
Calculate and Interpret Result
Perform the calculations: \( \ln(P_2) \approx -4.746 \). \( P_2 = e^{-4.746} \approx 0.0087 \text{ atm} \). Thus, the vapor pressure of methanol at \(22.0^{\circ} \text{C}\) is 0.0087 atm.
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.
Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
The Clausius-Clapeyron Equation is a fundamental relation in thermodynamics used to predict the change in vapor pressure with temperature for a substance. It establishes a linkage between the vapor pressures at two different temperatures:
- \( \ln\left( \frac{P_2}{P_1} \right) = \frac{-\Delta H_{vap}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{T_2} - \frac{1}{T_1} \right) \).
- Here, \( P_1 \) and \( P_2 \) are the vapor pressures at temperatures \( T_1 \) and \( T_2 \) respectively, \( \Delta H_{vap} \) is the heat of vaporization, and \( R \) is the ideal gas constant, 8.314 J/mol K.
Heat of Vaporization
The heat of vaporization, denoted as \( \Delta H_{vap} \), represents the amount of energy required to convert a mole of a liquid into vapor without a temperature change.
- For methanol, the heat of vaporization is 37.4 kJ/mol. This measure is vital, as it provides insight into the substance's volatility.
- Substances with higher heats of vaporization have stronger intermolecular forces and require more energy to transition from liquid to gas.
Temperature Conversion
Accurate temperature conversion is a crucial step in thermodynamic calculations. The Celsius and Kelvin scales are commonly used, and converting between these is straightforward:
- To convert from Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature.
- For example, converting methanol's boiling point: 65.0°C becomes 338.15 K.
- Similarly, 22.0°C converts to 295.15 K.
Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure signifies the pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases at a given temperature in a closed system.
- For methanol, calculating vapor pressure at lower temperatures like 22.0°C helps understand how its gas phase behavior changes with cooling.
- Knowing the vapor pressure informs decisions in chemical engineering and safety procedures regarding storage and handling.
- A higher vapor pressure indicates a substance's readiness to evaporate, reflecting its volatility.
Methanol Properties
Methanol, or \( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \), is a simple alcohol with several notable properties:
- It's a colorless, volatile liquid, often referred to as wood alcohol.
- One important physical property is its boiling point, 65.0°C, indicative of its relatively low boiling compared to other alcohols.
- Methanol's heat of vaporization is 37.4 kJ/mol, which affects how readily it vaporizes.
- These properties make methanol useful but also demand careful consideration in storage and handling due to its volatility.