Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false: (a) The critical pressure of a substance is the pressure at which it turns into a solid at room temperature. (b) The critical temperature of a substance is the highest temperature at which the liquid phase can form. (c) Generally speaking, the higher the critical temperature of a substance, the lower its critical pressure. (d) In general, the more intermolecular forces there are in a substance, the higher its critical temperature and pressure.

Short answer

(a) False (b) True (c) False (d) True

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Critical Pressure

The critical pressure of a substance is the pressure required to liquefy the gas at its critical temperature. At this point, the distinction between liquid and gas phases disappears, and the substance cannot be liquefied, not turning into a solid. Hence, the statement (a) is false.

Understanding Critical Temperature

The critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, regardless of pressure. Above this temperature, the substance can only exist as a gas. Therefore, statement (b) is true.

Relationship Between Critical Temperature and Pressure

In general, a higher critical temperature does not imply lower critical pressure. Typically, substances with higher critical temperatures often also have higher critical pressures due to strong intermolecular forces. Thus, statement (c) is false.

Intermolecular Forces and Critical Points

Stronger intermolecular forces make it more difficult to separate molecules into a gas phase, leading to higher critical temperatures and pressures, as more energy is required to overcome these forces. Therefore, statement (d) is true.

Key concepts

Critical Pressure

Critical pressure is a fundamental concept in physical chemistry, particularly when discussing phase transitions. It is defined as the pressure required to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature. At this point, the distinction between liquid and gas phases becomes indistinct, leading to a supercritical fluid where no clear phase boundary exists. Understanding the nature of critical pressure helps us comprehend how substances behave under extreme conditions. It's important to clarify that critical pressure is not related to solidification at room temperature. Instead, it refers to the aspect of a gas transitioning into a non-distinguishable phase when subjected to its critical conditions. Thus, a substance cannot turn into a solid at its critical pressure because it's involved in the liquid-gas equilibrium and beyond.

• Occurs at the critical temperature, marking the end of liquid-gas distinction.
• Does not induce solidification; solid-liquid transitions involve different pressures and temperatures.

Critical Temperature

Critical temperature is a key concept that indicates the maximum temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, regardless of the pressure applied. Beyond this temperature, the substance can only exist in the gaseous phase. This understanding is paramount because it outlines the limits of liquefaction. No matter how much pressure is applied after reaching this temperature, the gas phase cannot condense into a liquid. Critical temperature is characterized by:

• As the highest point for possible liquid formation.
• It is intrinsic to the substance, influenced by intermolecular forces.

Recognizing the critical temperature allows scientists and engineers to design processes and apparatuses for chemical reactions and separation processes, especially when dealing with gases under pressure.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are essential when considering the physical properties of substances, including their critical temperature and pressure. These forces are the attractions between molecules, and they greatly influence the states of matter and phase transitions. Stronger intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, or London dispersion forces, usually lead to higher critical temperatures and pressures. This is because more energy is needed to overcome these attractions to transform the substance from liquid to gas. The significance includes:

• Determining the energy required for phase changes.
• Directly affecting the degree to which substances resist transitioning between phases.

By influencing both critical temperature and pressure, intermolecular forces help predict and explain the behaviors of substances under various thermal and pressure conditions. Knowledge of these forces helps chemists manipulate conditions to favor certain phase equilibria, proving valuable in fields like materials science and chemical engineering.