Question

Is there a difference between a homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a \(2: 1\) mole ratio and a sample of water vapor? Explain.

Short answer

Yes, there is a difference between a homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 mole ratio and a sample of water vapor. In the homogeneous mixture, hydrogen and oxygen gases are mixed uniformly but not chemically bonded, while in water vapor, hydrogen and oxygen atoms are chemically bonded to form H₂O molecules. The properties of water vapor are distinct from those of individual gaseous hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms homogeneous mixture and mole ratio

A homogeneous mixture is a uniform composition of two or more substances where the individual components cannot be visually distinguished. The mole ratio refers to the ratio of moles of different substances in a chemical reaction, or in this case, the ratio of moles of hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) in the mixture.

Examine the provided mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 mole ratio

Here, we are given a homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 mole ratio. It means that there are two moles of hydrogen for every mole of oxygen in the mixture, but the hydrogen and oxygen are not chemically combined in this case.

Recall the properties of water vapor

Water vapor is the gaseous form of water (H₂O). It's formed when the molecules of water chemically combine with each other, resulting in the release of heat energy. Water vapor is represented by the chemical formula H₂O, where 2 hydrogen atoms are bonded to 1 oxygen atom.

Compare the homogeneous mixture and the sample of water vapor

A homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 mole ratio contains both H₂ and O₂ molecules, but they are not chemically combined with each other. Unlike water vapor, which is composed of H₂O molecules, the homogeneous mixture contains separate H₂ and O₂ molecules.

Explain the difference between the homogeneous mixture and water vapor

Yes, there is a difference between the homogeneous mixture and water vapor. In the homogeneous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, the two gases are mixed uniformly but not chemically bonded. In contrast, water vapor is the result of the chemical bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms to form H₂O molecules. The properties of water vapor are distinct from those of individual gaseous hydrogen and oxygen molecules.