Can a Liquid Survive in a Vacuum Without Vaporizing?

In summary, the existence of a liquid in a vacuum would depend on various factors such as temperature and density. While water may freeze in most space due to the cold temperature, other liquids like mercury may not be affected much. However, all liquids have a vapor pressure and if it is lower than the equilibrium vapor pressure, the liquid will eventually vaporize. This process can even occur with solids, such as diamonds, although it may take some time.
  • #1
hellboy4444
23
0
can a liquid exist in vacuum? Wouldn't it vaporize to gaseous form?
 
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  • #2
Temperature might have an effect.
 
  • #3
It would depend entirely on the liquid. Temperature would have the greatest effect of course. Water for example might evaporate but since most space is cold I believe it would more likely freeze. Density might also play a role. I imagine that mercury for example would be effected very little.
 
  • #4
Godspanther said:
It would depend entirely on the liquid. Temperature would have the greatest effect of course. Water for example might evaporate but since most space is cold I believe it would more likely freeze. Density might also play a role. I imagine that mercury for example would be effected very little.

Ice vaporizes quite nicely, thank you. More of the world snowfall evaporates than melts. Mercury will vaporize well before a perfect vacuum is reached. In short, if the vapor pressure (solids have vapor pressures, too) is less than the equilibrium vapor pressure, the substance will vaporize. For things like diamonds, this may take a while, but it will eventually happen.
 

1. Can any liquid exist in vacuum?

No, most liquids cannot exist in vacuum because they require atmospheric pressure to maintain their liquid state. Liquids have a tendency to evaporate or boil when exposed to a vacuum, which means they will turn into a gas instead of remaining in a liquid state.

2. What is the critical point of a liquid in vacuum?

The critical point of a liquid in vacuum is the temperature and pressure at which it can exist as a liquid in a vacuum. Below this point, the liquid will boil and turn into a gas, and above this point, it will not be able to maintain its liquid state and will turn into a gas as well.

3. Are there any liquids that can exist in vacuum?

Yes, there are a few liquids that can exist in a vacuum, such as mercury, water, and some low-boiling point liquids. These liquids have a lower vapor pressure, which means they require less pressure to maintain their liquid state in a vacuum.

4. How does the boiling point of a liquid change in vacuum?

The boiling point of a liquid changes in a vacuum because of the decrease in pressure. When the pressure is lowered, the boiling point of the liquid also decreases. This is why liquids boil at a lower temperature at high altitudes, where the atmospheric pressure is lower.

5. Can a liquid exist in a total vacuum?

No, a liquid cannot exist in a total vacuum because it requires some amount of pressure to maintain its liquid state. In a total vacuum, there is no pressure, which means the liquid will turn into a gas or evaporate. However, in a partial vacuum, some liquids can exist if the pressure is low enough.

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