Vapour
The Process of Evaporation of Liquid
Explain the process of evaporation of liquid
Vapours
- These are molecules which escape into the atmosphere after liquids are heated.
- When a liquid is heated strongly then molecules tends to escape ( those molecules are called vapour).
- Most liquids evaporates at any temperature however liquids may vary in the rate at which they evaporate at ordinary temperature.
- Alcohol and ether evaporate rapidly but lubricating oil and mercury hardly evaporate.
- Evaporation of a liquids result in the formation of vapour.
Factors Affecting Evaporation of a Liquid
Identify factors affecting evaporation of a liquid
There are several factors which affect evaporation of liquids when heated which include the following:
- Nature of the liquid:
Normally liquids evaporation differs depending on the nature of liquid.
Example; Volatile liquids evaporate faster than non-volatile liquids,
which evaporate slowly. Alcohol evaporates faster than other liquids
like water. The boiling point of alcohol is 780C while that of water is 100oC. - Pressure above the liquid (atmospheric pressure): When the atmospheric pressure is high, the rate of evaporation may be reduced.
- Surface energy of the liquid:
This forms a boundary or skin between the liquid and the atmosphere.
The surface energy prevents molecules with lower kinetic energy from
escaping into the atmosphere. Some liquids such as alcohol have low
surface energy , hence they evaporate rapidly.
Question Time 1
Why do molecules escapes when the liquid is heated?
When the liquid is heated, the molecules tend to gain (absorb) kinetic energy hence the random speed of the moleculesincreases.
The
process of evaporation of liquid can be explained using Kinetic
Theory.When a liquid is left to evaporate in a closed container, the
pressure of the vapour in the container gradually increases.
process of evaporation of liquid can be explained using Kinetic
Theory.When a liquid is left to evaporate in a closed container, the
pressure of the vapour in the container gradually increases.
Difference between Saturated and Evaporation of a Liquid
Distinguish between saturated and evaporation of a liquid
Vapours
The
molecules in a liquid are in a state of continuous motion and some of
those at the liquid surface will gain sufficient energy to escape from
the surface altogether. The molecules that have left the surface are
said to be in the vapour state. The difference between a vapour and a
gas is purely one of temperature, a vapour being a gas below its
critical temperature.
molecules in a liquid are in a state of continuous motion and some of
those at the liquid surface will gain sufficient energy to escape from
the surface altogether. The molecules that have left the surface are
said to be in the vapour state. The difference between a vapour and a
gas is purely one of temperature, a vapour being a gas below its
critical temperature.
This
phenomenon is known as evaporation. The number of molecules leaving the
surface, and hence the rate of evaporation, will increase with
temperature as the liquid contains more energy at a higher temperature.
The effect of the evaporation of a liquid can be shown clearly by the
following experiment.
phenomenon is known as evaporation. The number of molecules leaving the
surface, and hence the rate of evaporation, will increase with
temperature as the liquid contains more energy at a higher temperature.
The effect of the evaporation of a liquid can be shown clearly by the
following experiment.
Some
ether is run into the flask, as shown in the figure below. It will
evaporate in the enclosed space and the pressure that it exerts on the
water will force a jet of water out of the tube. Warming the liquid will
increase this evaporation and give a more powerful jet.
ether is run into the flask, as shown in the figure below. It will
evaporate in the enclosed space and the pressure that it exerts on the
water will force a jet of water out of the tube. Warming the liquid will
increase this evaporation and give a more powerful jet.
You can show that the rate of evaporation may be increased by:
- Warming the flask gently.
- Increasing the area of the liquid surface.
- Blowing a stream of air across the surface.
- Reducing the pressure above the liquid surface.
Saturated vapours
When
a liquid is in a closed container the space above the liquid is full of
vapour, and the vapour is then described as a saturated vapour – this
means that the density of the liquid molecules in the air is a maximum.
This is due to molecules continually escaping and reentering the liquid.
At any moment the number of molecules leaving the surface will be equal
to the number returning to it and so a dynamic equilibrium is set up.
a liquid is in a closed container the space above the liquid is full of
vapour, and the vapour is then described as a saturated vapour – this
means that the density of the liquid molecules in the air is a maximum.
This is due to molecules continually escaping and reentering the liquid.
At any moment the number of molecules leaving the surface will be equal
to the number returning to it and so a dynamic equilibrium is set up.
The
properties of saturated vapours were first investigated by Dalton
around 1800. This is shown in Figure 2(a), which shows a state before
saturation has been reached (when there will be more molecules leaving
the surface than returning to it) and Figure 2(b), which shows the
saturated state. A dynamic equilibrium exits here.
properties of saturated vapours were first investigated by Dalton
around 1800. This is shown in Figure 2(a), which shows a state before
saturation has been reached (when there will be more molecules leaving
the surface than returning to it) and Figure 2(b), which shows the
saturated state. A dynamic equilibrium exits here.
This
vapour will exert a pressure and if there is sufficient liquid the air
above the liquid surface will be saturated with vapour; the pressure
that this saturated vapour exerts is known as the saturated vapour
pressure (s.v.p.) of the liquid at that temperature.
vapour will exert a pressure and if there is sufficient liquid the air
above the liquid surface will be saturated with vapour; the pressure
that this saturated vapour exerts is known as the saturated vapour
pressure (s.v.p.) of the liquid at that temperature.
Notice
that since the velocity of the molecules increases with temperature the
saturated vapour pressure also increases with temperature, and
therefore the temperature of the vapour must be specified when quoting
its saturated vapour pressure (s.v.p.)
that since the velocity of the molecules increases with temperature the
saturated vapour pressure also increases with temperature, and
therefore the temperature of the vapour must be specified when quoting
its saturated vapour pressure (s.v.p.)
The Effect of Temperature on Saturated Vapour Pressure (S.V.P) of a Liquid
Explain the effect of temperature on saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P) of a liquid
Saturated vapour pressure (S.V.P):Is
the pressure exerted by vapour when a liquid is heated and reaches a
state of Equilibrium where eventually the rate at which the molecules
leave the liquid is equal to the rate at which others return to it.
the pressure exerted by vapour when a liquid is heated and reaches a
state of Equilibrium where eventually the rate at which the molecules
leave the liquid is equal to the rate at which others return to it.
The
Height, of mercury represents the saturated vapour pressure of the
liquid in the flask. Saturated vapour pressure increases with the
increase in Temperature (Ti) and the increased with decrease in
Temperature (Td).
Height, of mercury represents the saturated vapour pressure of the
liquid in the flask. Saturated vapour pressure increases with the
increase in Temperature (Ti) and the increased with decrease in
Temperature (Td).
The graph of saturated vapour pressure (svp) against Temperature
The
graph shows as saturated vapour pressure (s.v.p) increases then the
temperature will increase and vice versa for decrease of temperature.
graph shows as saturated vapour pressure (s.v.p) increases then the
temperature will increase and vice versa for decrease of temperature.
Boiling
point (B.P):Is the temperature reached where the saturated vapour
pressure (S.V.P) is equal to external atmospheric pressure.
point (B.P):Is the temperature reached where the saturated vapour
pressure (S.V.P) is equal to external atmospheric pressure.
The Boiling point of alcohol is 78OC water is 100OC
and pressure of the atmosphere as 76cm of mercury.The intersection of
the normal atmosphere pressure line with the liquids S.V.P curve.
and pressure of the atmosphere as 76cm of mercury.The intersection of
the normal atmosphere pressure line with the liquids S.V.P curve.
The Concept of Humidity
Explain the concept of humidity
HUMIDITY is the measure of the extent to which the atmosphere contains water vapour (moisture).
The Formation of Dew
Explain the formation of dew
DEW:These are deposits formed when the temperature fall slowly in the drops of water vapour.
Dew
point (D.P): Is the temperature to which air must be cooled to become
saturated. For example in an air container, if water vapour at pressure
of 8mm of mercury were to be cooled , dew would form at 7.90C.
point (D.P): Is the temperature to which air must be cooled to become
saturated. For example in an air container, if water vapour at pressure
of 8mm of mercury were to be cooled , dew would form at 7.90C.
Measurement of Relative Humidity
Measure relative humidity
Absolute
humidity is the mass of water vapour present in a unit volume of it and
is usually expressed in grams per cubic metre (g/m3). The
absolute humidity is not very frequently used since in practice we’re
more often concerned with the degree of wetness of the air.
humidity is the mass of water vapour present in a unit volume of it and
is usually expressed in grams per cubic metre (g/m3). The
absolute humidity is not very frequently used since in practice we’re
more often concerned with the degree of wetness of the air.
Relative
Humidity (R.H) is the ratio of the mass of water vapour actually in a
unit volume of air to that is required to saturate it at the same
temperature.
Humidity (R.H) is the ratio of the mass of water vapour actually in a
unit volume of air to that is required to saturate it at the same
temperature.
R.H = Mass of water vapour/Volume of air required to saturate the air at the same temperature
It is common practice to quote relative Humidity as a fraction or a percentage.
Thus
R.H = m/M X 100%
Where
M = mass of water vapour actually present in a unit of given volume of air.
M= mass of water vapour required to saturate the air at the same temperature.
Relative Humidity
is also defined as the saturation vapour pressure of water at the dew
point divided by the saturation vapour pressure of water at the original
air temperature.
is also defined as the saturation vapour pressure of water at the dew
point divided by the saturation vapour pressure of water at the original
air temperature.
R.H = s.v.p at dew point/s.v.p at air Temperature
Note:The
low value of relative humidity of air means that evaporation takes
place readily from the surface of water.The high value of relative
Humidity then evaporation does not take place readily from the surface
of water.
low value of relative humidity of air means that evaporation takes
place readily from the surface of water.The high value of relative
Humidity then evaporation does not take place readily from the surface
of water.
Humid atmosphereis saturated with water vapour.
Perspiration: Is the evaporation of sweat from the skin, is not so effective at cooling the body in humid atmosphere.
Note:
- Cotton manufacturing industries are constructed on sites where the relative Humidity (R.H) Is High.
- Cotton fibres must not become too dry, otherwise they become Brittle and hence cause difficulties in spinning.
- In
contrast, a dry atmosphere is required by ware House for the storage of
food, Tobacco and assembling of certain electrical components. - Air – conditioning plants are installed in ships and buildings for the purpose of moderating Humidity.
MEASURING RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Hygrometers are
instruments used for finding relative humidity at a given place. With
most hygrometers, the relative humidity is determined by first finding
the dew point and then using vapour pressure tables.
instruments used for finding relative humidity at a given place. With
most hygrometers, the relative humidity is determined by first finding
the dew point and then using vapour pressure tables.
A
very common type of Hygrometer (often known as Mason’s hydrometer). A
piece of muslin wick is wrapped round the bulb of one the thermometer
and its lower and dipped into water capillary action keeps the Muslin
wrapped around the bulb wet.
very common type of Hygrometer (often known as Mason’s hydrometer). A
piece of muslin wick is wrapped round the bulb of one the thermometer
and its lower and dipped into water capillary action keeps the Muslin
wrapped around the bulb wet.
- Evaporation of water surrounding the wet bulb absorbs heat from the bulb, consequently the temperature of the wet bulb falls.
- The
reading of the wet bulb thermometer is normally found to be several
degrees below that of the dry bulb Thermometer is known as the wet bulb
depression.
Example 1
If the dry the temperature is 300C when the wet bulb temperature is 20OC then the wet bulb depression is 10oC the rate Evaporation depends on the amount of water Vapour present in the air.
The
less moisture the air has the greater the difference between the two
thermometer reading.The difference is therefore greatest for dry air and
zero for saturated air.
less moisture the air has the greater the difference between the two
thermometer reading.The difference is therefore greatest for dry air and
zero for saturated air.
REGNAULT’S
HYGROMETER: Is used to determine dew point and relative
Humidity.Simplified form of regnault’s hygrometer consist of two test –
tubes A and B with silvered ends C and D Respectively.
HYGROMETER: Is used to determine dew point and relative
Humidity.Simplified form of regnault’s hygrometer consist of two test –
tubes A and B with silvered ends C and D Respectively.
- Test tube A contains ether and it is fitted with rubber stopper which carries a thermometer T and two narrow tubes E and F.
- Test tube B. is empty and serves as comparison.
- Air
is bubbled through ether via the narrow tube E by applying a fitted
pump at the end of the Narrow tube F. This causes the rapid evaporation
which results in the absorption of latent heat from ether and the
container. - Air surrounding the tube cools to temperature at which the water vapour present is sufficient to saturate it.
- Consequently is seen to form on C while D appears unchanged.
Above show Regnault (dew point ) hygrometer.
- The reading of the thermometer T is then noted.
- The flow of air through the ether is then stopped and the apparatus allowed warming up.
- The temperature at which the dew on C disappears is noted.
- The dew point is then taken as the mean of the two temperatures.
- Suppose
the dew pint is Q1 and the actual air temperature is Q2 if the tables
the value of S.V.P for water at Q1 and Q2 are X and Y millimeters of
mercury Respectively. - R.H = S.V. Pat Q1 x 100%/S.V.P at Q2
Example 2
The dew point in a room at a temperature of 100c
is 12,55C if the saturated vapor pressure if saturated vapor pressures
at these two temperatures are 15.5mm and 10.9mm of mercury respectively
calculate the Relative Humidity.
is 12,55C if the saturated vapor pressure if saturated vapor pressures
at these two temperatures are 15.5mm and 10.9mm of mercury respectively
calculate the Relative Humidity.
Solution
Required: To find relative humidity, RH.
RH = S.V.P at dew pointx 100%/S.V.P at air temperature
RH= 10.9/15.5× 100%
Relative Humidity, RH = 71%
The Knowledge of Humidity in Daily Life
Apply the knowledge of humidity in daily life
Water in the atmosphere exists in different forms example: Clouds, Rain, Snow, Hail stones, Mist, Fog and Smog.
Clouds.
- Consist of the tiny droplets of water or Ice floating in the sky formed by condensation of water vapor in the upper atmosphere.
- Clouds
formation occurs when temperature falls below the dew point and small
particles of dust or salt crystals are present to act as nuclei on which
condensation can begin. - Cooling is due to upward movement of air accompanied by example.
- Clouds
may also formed when a warm moist air current meets a cold one if the
drops become big enough by joining together they may fall as rain.
Rain: These are drops of water that fall on the grounds when cooling occurs in the clouds.
Snow: Formed when the dew points is below the freezing point (F.P) 0OC.Under these conditions, the atmospheric vapour condenses directly into ice crystal.
Hail stones
- Formed due to super cooling of water droplets in such a way that the droplets are cooling below 0oC without freezing.
- When
these droplets are carried upwards by ascending air currents, they
solidify upon coming into contact with ice crystals in the upper
atmosphere. - Hail stones are dangerous to air craft and human beings.
Mist: Is the condensation of vapour Iito water droplets occurring near the ground.
Fog: Is a mist In which Visibility does not extend beyond 1km.
Smog:This is dense fog, where visibility is reducing to a few metres.
