Chapter 11, Problem 11.27QP

Shown here is a curve of the distribution of kinetic energies of the molecules in a liquid at an arbitrary temperature T.

The lines marked A, B, and C represent the point where each of the molecules for three different liquids (liquid A, liquid B, and liquid C) has the minimum kinetic energy to escape into the gas phase (see Figure 11.5 for more information). Write a brief explanation for each of your answers to the following questions.

1. a Which of the molecules─A, B, or C─would have the majority of the molecules in the gas phase at temperature T?
2. b Which of the molecules─A, B, or C─has the strongest intermolecular attractions?
3. c Which of the molecules would have the lowest vapor pressure at temperature T?