Velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules

In summary, the conversation discusses the velocity distribution of evaporating H2O molecules and whether it can be Maxwellian. References are provided for further reading on the topic, and the question is reframed to consider the elastic interaction and two particle interaction of the molecules during evaporation. The possibility of a Maxwellian distribution in this scenario is also questioned.
  • #1
Kazys
10
1
What is the velocity distribution of evaporating H2O molecules? It can not be Maxwellian.
 
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  • #3
Thank you for the references. They deal with rather specific issues of this general question. I would like to
reframe it in more simple terms. A Maxwellian distribution results when freely moving particles interact
elastically. The question can be posed as follows - is the evaporation of an H2O molecule elastic?
Is it a two particle interaction? If not, can the distribution of evaporating molecules be Maxwellian?
 

What is the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules?

The velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules refers to the range of speeds at which water molecules are moving when they evaporate from a liquid state to a gaseous state. This distribution is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other substances in the surrounding environment.

Why is the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules important?

The velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules is important because it affects the overall rate of evaporation. The higher the velocity of the molecules, the faster they will evaporate. This is important in many natural processes, such as the water cycle, as well as in industrial processes where evaporation is used to separate substances.

How is the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules measured?

The velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules can be measured using various techniques, such as laser spectroscopy or mass spectrometry. These methods involve analyzing the speed and direction of individual molecules as they evaporate from a sample of liquid water.

Does the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules change with temperature?

Yes, the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules is affected by temperature. As the temperature increases, the average velocity of the molecules also increases, leading to a wider range of speeds in the distribution. This is because higher temperatures provide more energy for the molecules to move and break away from the liquid surface.

How does the presence of other substances affect the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules?

The presence of other substances, such as solutes or pollutants, can alter the velocity distribution of evaporating water molecules. This is because these substances can change the surface tension and other properties of the liquid, which can affect the ease with which water molecules can evaporate. Additionally, these substances may also evaporate at different rates, leading to a more complex velocity distribution.

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