[Chemistry] Trying to find the vapor pressure of water with pv=nRT

In summary, a student conducted an experiment to determine the number of moles of trapped air in a graduated cylinder filled with water inverted in a beaker at 750 torr and 0.1 deg C. The result was 1*10^(-4) moles. The student then heated the beaker to 70 deg C and found a corrected volume of 4.05 mL. Using the ideal gas law, the student calculated a total pressure of 0.7 atm, which is lower than the air pressure of 0.987 atm. This discrepancy may be due to rounding down intermediate results. Therefore, the student should not report a negative result for the vapor pressure of water at 70 deg C.
  • #1
RossH
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Homework Statement


A student found that at 750 torr atmospheric pressure and 0.1 deg C, the corrected volume of the trapped air (in a graduated cylinder filled with water inverted in beaker) was 2.20 mL. Under these conditions, how many moles of trapped air are present?

This student then heated the beaker and found that at 70 deg C, the corrected volume of the bubble was 4.05 mL. What should she report as the vappor pressure of water at this temperature?

My problem is that I am finding that pressure air, from the first part, exceed pressure total, from the second part.


Homework Equations


PV=nRT (ideal gas law)
R=0.082L*atm/K*mol


The Attempt at a Solution



Part 1: PV=nRT. 2.20 mL=0.0022 L. R as above. 750 torr=0.987 atm. 0.1 deg C=273.3K
0.987 atm*0.0022L = n moles*(0.082L*atm/(K*mol))*273.3K
solve for n. n=1*10^(-4) moles.

Part 2: PV=nRT.
P_air=0.987 atm.
4.05mL=0.00405 L.
n=1*10^(-4) moles.
P*0.00405L=0.0001 moles*0.082(L*atm/K*mol)*343.15K
Solve for P: P_total=0.7 atm.

How can P_total be less than P_air? I should be able to get the partial pressure of the water vapor at 70 deg C from this, but that would come out negative. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
What you have calculated is the pressure of air, not total pressure. Total is still 750 torr.

Don't round down intermediate results - that is, list them as rounded, but use them in calculations with full accuracy.
 

1. What is the equation used to find the vapor pressure of water?

The equation used to find the vapor pressure of water is pv=nRT, where p is the vapor pressure, v is the volume, n is the number of moles, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin.

2. How does temperature affect the vapor pressure of water?

As temperature increases, the vapor pressure of water also increases. This is because higher temperatures lead to more molecular motion, causing more water molecules to escape into the gas phase and increasing the pressure.

3. What is the significance of finding the vapor pressure of water?

The vapor pressure of water is important in industries such as food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processes. It is also used in weather forecasting and determining the boiling point of water.

4. How does altitude affect the vapor pressure of water?

As altitude increases, the vapor pressure of water decreases. This is because at higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases, causing water molecules to escape into the gas phase more easily and lowering the overall vapor pressure.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the vapor pressure of water?

Yes, the presence of other substances in the environment, such as other gases or dissolved solutes, can affect the vapor pressure of water. Additionally, the surface area and shape of the container holding the water can also impact the vapor pressure.

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