Question

Describe what is meant by a dynamic equilibrium in terms of the vapor pressure of a liquid.

Short answer

Dynamic equilibrium in terms of vapor pressure of a liquid refers to the state where the rates of evaporation and condensation are equal, resulting in no net change in the system and maintaining a constant vapor pressure. It is achieved when the forward reaction (evaporation) equals the reverse reaction (condensation) and the liquid and vapor phases coexist without any further changes.

Step-by-step solution

Define dynamic equilibrium

Dynamic equilibrium is a state in which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction, and the concentration of the reactants and products remains constant over time. In other words, even though reactions are still occurring, there is no net change in the amounts of reactants and products.

Understand vapor pressure

Vapor pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases (solid or liquid) at a given temperature in a closed system. When a liquid is placed in a container, its molecules can escape the liquid phase and enter the vapor phase. As the vapor phase becomes more populated, the pressure it exerts on the walls of the container increases.

Explain the connection between dynamic equilibrium and vapor pressure

Dynamic equilibrium in terms of vapor pressure can be understood as the point where the rate of evaporation of the liquid equals the rate of condensation of the vapor above it, such that the vapor pressure remains constant. When dynamic equilibrium is reached, the liquid and vapor phases coexist, and the system experiences no net change.

Illustrate with an example

Consider a closed container containing water at room temperature. Some of the water molecules will escape the liquid phase and enter the vapor phase (evaporation), while some of the water vapor molecules will return to the liquid phase (condensation). Initially, the rate of evaporation will be greater than the rate of condensation. However, as more molecules enter the vapor phase, the vapor pressure increases, and eventually, the rate of condensation increases. Dynamic equilibrium is established when the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation, and the vapor pressure remains constant. In conclusion, dynamic equilibrium in terms of vapor pressure of a liquid can be described as the state in which the rates of evaporation and condensation are equal, resulting in no net change in the system and a constant vapor pressure.