- #1
brianparks
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When water changes phase from liquid to gas, what is actually happening at a molecular level?
I have heard the general explanation that enough kinetic energy is imparted to the surface water molecules to allow them to "breaK" free from the dipole forces that hold them in the liquid. Sort of like they reach an escape velocity, maybe?
What I don't understand, however, is why phase changes occur at a constant temperature. If I add energy to the water, and some of its surface molecules start to break free and form gas, I would think that those molecules would have more kinetic energy (temperature) than they did before (thats what allowed them to break free, right?).
Any help is greatly appreciated.
--Brian
I have heard the general explanation that enough kinetic energy is imparted to the surface water molecules to allow them to "breaK" free from the dipole forces that hold them in the liquid. Sort of like they reach an escape velocity, maybe?
What I don't understand, however, is why phase changes occur at a constant temperature. If I add energy to the water, and some of its surface molecules start to break free and form gas, I would think that those molecules would have more kinetic energy (temperature) than they did before (thats what allowed them to break free, right?).
Any help is greatly appreciated.
--Brian