Two beakers with volatile solvents in closed system

AI Thread Summary
In a closed system with two beakers, one containing a volatile solvent and the other a 10% solution of a non-volatile solute, equilibrium results in all solvent moving to the beaker with the solution. This occurs because the vapor pressure of the solution in beaker B is lower than that of the pure solvent in beaker A, leading to a greater tendency for the solvent to evaporate from beaker A. The discussion addresses concerns about thermodynamics and entropy, clarifying that the system does not violate these principles. Instead, the movement of solvent aligns with the concept of vapor pressure lowering due to the presence of the solute. Understanding these principles helps clarify the behavior of volatile solvents in solutions.
black_squirrel
Messages
21
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Beaker A contains a volatile solvent and beaker B contains 10% solution of a non-volatile solute in the same solvent. Both beakers are placed in a closed environment as shown. The question asks what will happen when the system has reached equilibrium. The answer is given that all the solvent will be in beaker B after equilibrium because beaker B will have lower vapor pressure than beaker A. I don't understand why this is true. Isnt this against thermodynamics? isn't entropy decreasing here if that was the case?

http://pics-hosting.com/files/w4zv6fuoasz6vxth3y7.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone?
 
black_squirrel said:

Homework Statement


Beaker A contains a volatile solvent and beaker B contains 10% solution of a non-volatile solute in the same solvent. Both beakers are placed in a closed environment as shown. The question asks what will happen when the system has reached equilibrium. The answer is given that all the solvent will be in beaker B after equilibrium because beaker B will have lower vapor pressure than beaker A. I don't understand why this is true. Isnt this against thermodynamics? isn't entropy decreasing here if that was the case?

http://pics-hosting.com/files/w4zv6fuoasz6vxth3y7.jpg
[/URL]

Perhaps this link can help you understand the vapor pressure lowering aspect of the solute on the solvent?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoult's_law

Given that the vapor pressure would be lowered with the solute, are you on board with understanding that the liquid on the left would have a greater tendency toward evaporation than the one on the right?

In which case what do you think happens when the pressure of a gas at the surface of a liquid is greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid itself at that temperature and pressure?

For further reading about the colligative properties of solutions like boiling points, and vapor pressure and osmosis see also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colligative_properties
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Mixing two gases in an isolated system and calculating final p and T
Replies
4
Views
2K
Entropy and the Laws of Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Entropy and the Helmholtz Free Energy of a Mass-Piston System
Replies
8
Views
2K
Why does the entropy of a closed system remain constant in a reversible process?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
Replies
17
Views
2K
Solving Entropy in Moist Air: No Violation of Law
Replies
2
Views
1K
Reversible heat exchange between water and ice
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Work in hydrostatic system in cylinder with piston: P_int or P_ext?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
Replies
21
Views
4K
Thermodynamics - closed system
Replies
12
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top