Student B asked, "How are the strengths of the intermolecular forces (IMF) between the particles in a series of substances placed in similar containers related to their measured vapor pressure?"
Student A said, "Maybe our friend on the other side of the screen can help with that."
The stronger the MF between particles of a substance, the higher the vapor pressure, since particles would be allowed to escape as readily
The stronger the IMF between particles of a substance, the lower the vapor pressure, since particles would not be allowed to escape as
readily from the surface
The weaker the IMF between particles of a substance, the lower the vapor pressure, since particles would not be allowed to escape as readily from the surface
The vapor pressure of a substance is not related to the IMF between the particles.
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Student A is correct. The stronger the intermolecular forces between particles in a substance, the lower the vapor pressure, since particles would be less likely to escape from the surface and enter the gas phase. Conversely, substances with weaker intermolecular forces would have higher vapor pressures, as particles would be more likely to escape and enter the gas phase. So, the strength of the intermolecular forces does have a direct relationship with the measured vapor pressure of a substance in a similar container.
1 answer