Question

Can \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) be maintained as a liquid under a pressure of 100 atm at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C} ?\) Can liquid methane be obtained under the same conditions?

Short answer

Under a pressure of 100 atm at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) remains a gas while methane turns into a solid.

Step-by-step solution

Consulting the Phase Diagram of Sulfur Dioxide

First, we need to refer to the phase diagram of sulfur dioxide (\(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\)). From the phase diagram, it can be determined whether \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) can stay in the liquid phase under the given conditions: a pressure of 100 atm and a temperature of \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

Analyzing the Phase Diagram of Sulfur Dioxide

Upon analyzing the SO2 phase diagram, we find that under the given conditions (100atm and \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ) \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) stays in a gaseous state.

Consulting the Phase Diagram of Methane

Next, the phase diagram for methane (\(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\)) is consulted to evaluate whether methane can exist as a liquid under the same conditions.

Analyzing the Phase Diagram of Methane

The point representing 100 atm and \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) in the methane's phase diagram falls into the solid region. Thus methane exists as a solid under these conditions.

Key concepts

Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur dioxide, often represented as \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\), is a chemical compound composed of sulfur and oxygen. It is a significant compound in various industrial processes and is known for its pungent, irritating smell. Understanding the phase diagram of sulfur dioxide is essential to predict its state under different temperature and pressure conditions.

The phase diagram shows the conditions under which sulfur dioxide exists in solid, liquid, or gas states. When you look at this diagram, you will see lines separating different regions. These lines are where SO2 changes from one phase to another. By examining sulfur dioxide's phase diagram, you can determine that at a pressure of 100 atm and a temperature of \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), sulfur dioxide remains gaseous. This means that under such conditions, sulfur dioxide will not be able to maintain a liquid state. Understanding these aspects is crucial for industrial applications, refrigeration systems, and studying environmental impact.

Methane

Methane, represented as \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\), is a simple hydrocarbon and a major component of natural gas. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is lighter than air and serves as a vital energy source for various human activities. The phase behavior of methane is crucial when considering transportation and storage in its liquid form.

The phase diagram of methane illustrates under what conditions it can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas. When looking at a phase diagram, you will find curves that define the boundaries between different states of matter. The point of 100 atm pressure and \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) falls into the solid region for methane. This means that under these specific conditions, methane cannot exist in a liquid form; instead, it transitions into a solid. Knowing when methane can be liquefied is important for efficient storage and usage, especially in the energy sector.

States of Matter

The concept of states of matter is fundamental in understanding the physical properties and transitions of compounds like sulfur dioxide and methane. The main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas, each distinguished by varying molecular arrangements and energies.

• Solids: Have tightly packed molecules in a fixed structure, resulting in a definite shape and volume. They are incompressible and often form crystals.
• Liquids: Have molecules that are close together but can move around, allowing them to flow and take the shape of their container. They have a definite volume but no fixed shape.
• Gases: Have molecules spaced far apart and moving freely, filling any available space. They do not have a fixed shape or volume and are compressible.

Transition between these states depends on environmental factors like temperature and pressure, as shown in phase diagrams. For example, increasing the pressure can reduce the distance between molecules, thus turning a gas into a liquid or a liquid into a solid, depending on other conditions. Therefore, understanding states of matter and their transitions according to phase diagrams is critical for predicting the behavior of substances under various conditions.