Chapter 13.2, Problem 12LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Rates of evaporation and condensation of a liquid kept in a closed container are to be determined.

Concept Introduction :

The three states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas. It is feasible to understand why they have different qualities by looking at the way their particles are arranged.

Answer to Problem 12LC

Evaporation and condensation become equal.

Explanation of Solution

The average kinetic energy of a liquid's particles rises as it warms. As more and more molecules can reach the liquid's surface and enter the vapor phase, the rate of evaporation accelerates. The liquid eventually reaches a point where all the molecules have enough kinetic energy to evaporate.

After some time, the liquid and vapor in a closed container kept at a constant temperature are in balance with one another during the interconversion of liquid to its vapor. At this point, the rates of liquid evaporation and vapor condensation are equal.