How Does the Clausius-Clapeyron Equation Derive the Slope -ΔHvap/RT?

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SUMMARY

The Clausius-Clapeyron equation describes the relationship between vapor pressure and temperature, revealing that the slope of the plot of ln P versus 1000/T is -ΔHvap/1000R. This linear relationship is established by taking the natural logarithm of the vapor pressure equation, resulting in ln P = -ΔHvap/RT + b. The correct interpretation of the slope requires understanding that it is derived from the relationship between the variables plotted, specifically ln P on the y-axis and 1000/T on the x-axis.

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  • Understanding of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic concepts such as enthalpy of vaporization (ΔHvap)
  • Familiarity with plotting graphs and interpreting slopes
  • Basic knowledge of natural logarithms and their properties
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  • Learn about the significance of the enthalpy of vaporization (ΔHvap) in phase transitions
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  • Investigate real-world applications of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation in meteorology and engineering
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courtrigrad
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I know that the relationship between pressure and temperature for an ideal gas is linear. The relationship between vapor pressure and temperature for a liquid, however, is exponential. To make it linear we take the natural log and end up with: \ln P = -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{RT} + b. How did we get -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{RT} to be the slope? The y-axis is \ln P and the x-axis is \frac{1000}{T}.

Thanks
 
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anybody have any ideas?

thanks
 
I'm not sure what your question really is but if you plot lnP vs 1000/T the slope will be

-\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{1000 R}
 
plugpoint said:
To make it linear we take the natural log and end up with: \ln P = -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{RT} + b. How did we get -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{RT} to be the slope? The y-axis is \ln P and the x-axis is \frac{1000}{T}.
The slope will be whatever -Hvap/RT is divided by to get the x axis. If I have y=ab and I plot y vs b, the slope is a. If I plot y vs a, the slope is b. The only (theoretical) way you will get -Hvap/RT as the slope is if you plotted lnP vs 1, but this doesn't make any sense. So in conclusion, you will never get -Hvap/RT as your slope :smile:

Which variable are you trying to solve or prove something for?
 
The slope was actually \frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{R}. I think it was meant to be written as: \ln P = -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{R}\frac{1}{T} + b

Is this correct?

Thanks
 
yes, and assuming that we're referring to vapor pressure 1 as 1atm, b is

(DHvap/R)1/T(1atm)
 
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