Pregunta
Liquid with a lower vapor pressure has a higher boiling point. Explain this
phenomenon in term of the relationship between vapor pressure and
intermolecular forces.
phenomenon in term of the relationship between vapor pressure and
intermolecular forces.
Ask by Turner Reid. in Malaysia
Mar 23,2025
Solución de inteligencia artificial de Upstudy
Respuesta verificada por el tutor
Responder
Liquids with stronger intermolecular forces have lower vapor pressures and higher boiling points because the molecules require more energy to escape into the gas phase.
Solución
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Definition of Vapor Pressure and Boiling Point
- The vapor pressure of a liquid is the pressure exerted by its vapor when the liquid and vapor are in equilibrium.
- The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, i.e.,
.
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Intermolecular Forces and Their Effect
- Intermolecular forces (such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces) hold the molecules of a liquid together.
- When these forces are strong, molecules require more energy (higher temperature) to overcome them and escape into the vapor phase.
- Consequently, liquids with strong intermolecular forces have a lower tendency to vaporize. This results in a lower vapor pressure at a given temperature.
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Relationship Between Vapor Pressure and Boiling Point
- A liquid with a lower vapor pressure has stronger intermolecular forces because fewer molecules can escape into the gas phase at any given temperature.
- To reach the condition
, a higher temperature is required to supply enough energy to overcome the intermolecular attractions. - Therefore, a liquid with a lower vapor pressure will have a higher boiling point.
-
Summary
- The phenomenon is due to the fact that strong intermolecular forces reduce vapor pressure by making it harder for molecules to escape the liquid phase.
- As a result, more heat (a higher temperature) is required to elevate the vapor pressure to atmospheric pressure, which in turn results in a higher boiling point.
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Beyond the Answer
When a liquid has a lower vapor pressure, it indicates that stronger intermolecular forces are at play, meaning the molecules are held together more tightly. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Because more energy (in the form of heat) is needed to overcome these forces, the liquid will boil at a higher temperature.
Additionally, the boiling point of a liquid is reached when its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure. A lower vapor pressure means that the liquid requires more heat to produce enough vapor to match that pressure. Hence, the stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the energy needed to reach boiling, resulting in a higher boiling point.

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