How Can Kinetic Theory Explain Differences in Latent Heat and Uniform Diffusion?

[Boogeyman]

Homework Statement

1)It is observed that the latent heat of vaporization is greater than the specific latent heat of fusion for most substances. Use kinetic theory to explain this in terms of the particles in each state.

2)When a drop of potassium dichromate is added to a beaker of water, it is found that after some time the entire contents of the beaker become a uniform colour. Use kinetic theory to explain this phenomenon.

Homework Equations

None

The Attempt at a Solution

1)I have sat for more than an hour trying to figure this out. Does it have to do with heat capacity? Or with the energy possessed by the molecules? Anything to point me in the right direction please.

2)I can explain it by diffusion but I have no idea on how to explain it using kinetic theory. So far I have figured out that since the molecules are moving in constant random motion but...why is it moving from high to low concentration so that is becomes uniform?

 

[Vuldoraq]

Homework Statement

1)It is observed that the latent heat of vaporization is greater than the specific latent heat of fusion for most substances. Use kinetic theory to explain this in terms of the particles in each state.

You need to think about what is happening when a substance melts/solidifies and when a substance vaporises/condenses. How fast are the molecules in a gas? In a liquid? How are particles speed and temperature related?

2)When a drop of potassium dichromate is added to a beaker of water, it is found that after some time the entire contents of the beaker become a uniform colour. Use kinetic theory to explain this phenomenon.

Your going in the right direction here, just take it further.

Homework Equations

There should be some equations here, ie the equation relating speed and temperature, for ideal gases.