Chapter 14, Problem 12STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: According to the information given in the question, the setup to represent the distribution of gases among bulbs after the valves are opened and the system reaches equilibrium needs to be drawn.

Concept Introduction: If different gases are placed in containers or bulbs connected, the movement of gaseous particles from one container to other takes place. At equilibrium, the distribution of gases within the system is such that each container or bulb will have an equal number of gaseous particles.

Explanation of Solution

According to the question, there are 6 blue spheres in bulb A, 9 green spheres in bulb B, and 12 red spheres in bulb C.

At equilibrium, the distribution of gases takes place in which a way that there is an equal number of the same spheres in each bulb.

Since there is a total of 6 blue spheres thus, at equilibrium there will be 2 blue spheres in each bulb. Similarly, the distribution of 9 green spheres takes place such that there will be 3 green spheres in each bulb. The total number of red spheres is 12 thus, at equilibrium there will be 4 red spheres in each bulb.

Therefore, at equilibrium, each bulb will have 2 blue spheres, 3 green spheres, and, 4 red spheres.

For the same observation, the setup can be represented as follows: