Asked in Premeth Test 4 — States of Matter, Solids, Liquids and Gases (6 March 2025) 2025Moderate

Which of the following has the lowest vapour pressure at 20 degrees Centigrade?

Correct answer: D. Water

  • A. Diethyl ether
  • B. Chloroform
  • C. Carbon tetrachloride
  • D. Water

Explanation

The boiling point of a substance is a measure of the strength of the intermolecular forces between the molecules of the substance. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the boiling point. Water has strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the molecules, which is why it has the highest boiling point.The vapor pressure of a substance is the pressure exerted by the vapor of the substance above the liquid. The lower the vapor pressure, the less likely the molecules of the substance are to evaporate. Water has a low vapor pressure at 20 degrees Centigrade because the strong intermolecular forces make it difficult for the molecules to escape from the liquid.The other three substances, diethyl ether, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride, have weaker intermolecular forces than water. This is why they have lower boiling points and higher vapor pressures at 20 degrees Centigrade.Therefore, water has the lowest vapor pressure at 20 degrees Celsius among the substances provided.

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About Evaporation, Boiling Point and Vapour Pressure

Evaporation is the escape of higher-energy molecules from a liquid surface, while vapour pressure is the pressure exerted by vapour in equilibrium with that liquid. The topic distinguishes evaporation from boiling and relates both to temperature, intermolecular forces, surface area, atmospheric pressure and the boiling point.

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