Questions
As a sample of \(KNO_3\)(s) is stirred into water at 25°C, the compound dissolves endothermically. Which of the following best helps to explain why the process is thermodynamically favorable at 25°C?
(A) All endothermic processes are thermodynamically favorable.
(B) Stirring the solution during dissolution adds the energy needed to drive an endothermic process.
(C) Dissolving the salt decreases the enthalpy of the system.
(D) Dissolving the salt increases the entropy of the system.
▶️Answer/Explanation
>Ans: D
The correct answer is (D) Dissolving the salt increases the entropy of the system.
For a process to be thermodynamically favorable at a given temperature, the total entropy change (AStotal) must be positive. The total entropy change is the sum of the entropy change due to the process itself
(ASsystem) and the entropy change due to the transfer of heat between the system and the surroundings (ASsurroundings).
In the case of the endothermic dissolution of KNO3(s) in water at 25C, the following considerations apply:
(A) All endothermic processes are thermodynamically favorable: This statement is incorrect. Both exothermic and endothermic processes can be thermodynamically favorable or unfavorable, depending on the
entropy change.
(B) Stirring the solution during dissolution adds the energy needed to drive an endothermic process: This statement is incorrect. Stirring may facilitate the dissolution process by increasing the rate of mixing,
but it does not provide the energy required for the endothermic process.
(C) Dissolving the salt decreases the enthalpy of the system: This statement is incorrect for an endothermic process. Endothermic processes involve an increase in the enthalpy of the system.
(D) Dissolving the salt increases the entropy of the system: This statement is correct. When a solid salt dissolves in water, the ions become more disordered and dispersed, resulting in an increase in entropy
(ASsystem > o). Additionally, the absorption of heat from the surroundings during the endothermic process also contributes to an increase in the entropy of the surroundings (ASsurroundings >0).
The increase in total entropy (AStotal = ASsystem + ASsurroundings) is what makes the endothermic dissolution process thermodynamically favorable at 25C, despite the increase in enthalpy.
Questions
A sealed 10.0 L flask at 400 K contains equimolar amounts of ethane and propanol in gaseous form.
Which of the following statements concerning the average molecular speed of ethane and propanol is true?
(A) The average molecular speed of ethane is less than the average molecular speed of propanol.
(B) The average molecular speed of ethane is greater than the average molecular speed of propanol.
(C) The average molecular speed of ethane is equal to the average molecular speed of propanol.
(D) The average molecular speeds of ethane and propanol cannot be compared without knowing the total pressure of the gas mixture.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: A
To compare the average molecular speeds of ethane and propanol, we can use the formula for the average molecular speed, which is given by:
\[ \text{Average molecular speed} = \sqrt{\frac{3RT}{M}} \]
where:
\( R \) is the gas constant,
\( T \) is the temperature in Kelvin,
\( M \) is the molar mass of the gas.
Since both ethane and propanol are in gaseous form, they behave ideally, and we can use this formula.
Given that the temperature (\( T \)) is the same for both gases and that they contain equimolar amounts, we only need to compare their molar masses (\( M \)).
The molar mass of ethane is approximately 30 g/mol, and the molar mass of propanol is approximately 60 g/mol.
Since the molar mass of propanol is greater than that of ethane, propanol molecules have a greater mass compared to ethane molecules. According to the formula for average molecular speed, a greater molar mass results in a lower average molecular speed.
So, the correct answer is:
(A) The average molecular speed of ethane is less than the average molecular speed of propanol.
Question
The Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions of molecular speeds in samples of two different gases at the same temperature are shown above. Which gas has the greater molar mass?
(A) Gas A
(B) Gas B
(C) Both gases have the same molar mass.
(D) It cannot be determined unless the pressure of each sample is known.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:A
The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve of molecular speeds is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Therefore, the gas with the slower distribution curve, which is shifted more towards the left side of the graph, has the greater molar mass. In the given graph, Gas A has the slower distribution curve, indicating that it has the greater molar mass compared to Gas B.
Question
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: D
Based on kinetic molecular theory, gas particles have a distribution of speeds that is dependent on the temperature, which is represented in diagram 2.