Chapter 10: Problem 23
Which of the following halide of carbon is used as refrigerant? (a) \(\mathrm{CCl}_{4}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CF}_{4}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The refrigerant is difluoromethane, \\( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \\) (option d).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
Refrigerants are substances used in cooling systems, like air conditioners and refrigerators, where they undergo phase transitions from a gas to a liquid and back to gas to absorb and remove heat from an environment.
02
Review Given Options
Examine each option for its suitability as a refrigerant based on the chemical composition and known uses: - \( \mathrm{CCl}_{4} \) (carbon tetrachloride) is not commonly used as a refrigerant due to its toxicity and potential to deplete the ozone layer. - \( \mathrm{CF}_{4} \) (carbon tetrafluoride) is used in electronics and industrial applications but not typically as a refrigerant due to its stability and inertness. - \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \) (methylene chloride) is primarily used as a solvent and not suitable as a refrigerant. - \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) (difluoromethane) is used in refrigeration systems due to its properties such as low toxicity and efficiency as a refrigerant.
03
Consider Environmental Factors
Refrigerants must be efficient and have low global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP). The chemical \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \), being a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), fits these environmental criteria better than chlorinated compounds.
04
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the only compound commonly used as a refrigerant is \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) (option d) because of its suitable properties for refrigeration use.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Halide Compounds
Halide compounds are a fascinating group of chemicals consisting of an element bonded to a halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. These compounds are classified based on their chemical composition and the halogen element they contain.
- Formation: They are typically formed when a halogen atom reacts with another element. This bonding often results in the formation of a stable compound.
- Properties: Halide compounds can vary significantly in their physical and chemical properties depending on the elements involved. - Some may be gases at room temperature, like - - hydrogen chloride ( \( \mathrm{HCl} \) ), while others can be solid or liquid.- Their reactivity and stability are influenced by the element bound to the halogen.
- Uses: Halides have a wide range of applications; they are used in chemical syntheses, industrial processes, and even in household products.- Some are valued for their solubility and ability to form ionic bonds, making them useful in solutions and crystals.- Others, like certain fluorinated halides (\(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) ), are important in specific applications like refrigeration due to their stability and performance characteristics.
Refrigeration Systems
Refrigeration systems play a crucial role in modern technology, enabling the cooling of spaces from small refrigerators at home to large-scale industrial cooling systems.
- How They Work: Refrigeration systems function by exploiting the properties of refrigerants to absorb and expel heat. This process is achieved through:- Compression: The refrigerant gas is compressed, raising its pressure and temperature.- Condensation: The hot refrigerant gas then passes through coils where it cools and turns into a liquid, dispensing its heat.- Expansion: The liquid refrigerant is expanded, causing it to cool significantly.- Evaporation: Finally, the cold liquid evaporates, absorbing heat from the surroundings, thereby cooling them.
- Selection of Refrigerants: The choice of a refrigerant, like \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) (difluoromethane), is critical. It depends on:- - Toxicity: Lower toxicity is safer for both the environment and human health.- Durability and Efficiency: A refrigerant should be efficient at achieving temperature change without breaking down easily.
Environmental Impact of Chemicals
The environmental impact of chemicals, particularly those used in refrigeration systems, is a vital consideration in today's age. This impact can vary greatly depending on the chemical composition and properties.
- Ozone Depletion: Many chemicals, especially older chlorinated refrigerants, have been found to deplete the ozone layer.- Compounds such as - - \( \mathrm{CCl}_{4} \) (carbon tetrachloride) can cause significant harm, thinning the protective layer that shields the Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): This metric measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time (usually 100 years) compared to carbon dioxide.- The goal is to identify refrigerants with low GWP to minimize their impact on global warming.- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like \( \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2} \) have a lower impact compared to older compounds.
- Moving Forward:- Adopting more environmentally friendly refrigerants helps mitigate both ozone depletion and global warming.- Continuous research and regulation are key to discovering and implementing better alternatives, balancing efficiency with environmental responsibility.