A sample of water in a sealed flask at 298 K is in equilibrium with its vapor. What is this is an example of?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 15, 2017

An example of "phase equilibrium".

Explanation:

For a given temperature, a condition of equilibrium exists between gaseous water molecules and the condensed phase, i.e.

H_2O(l) rightleftharpoonsH_2O(g)

The extent of equilibrium is conveniently measured by the partial pressure of H_2O(g). And these so-called vapour pressures are extensively tabulated:

See this site. As seen on the site, even ice possesses some small vapour pressure. Liquid water expresses a vapour pressure that increases logarithmically with temperature; at 100 ""^@C, water expresses a vapour of 1*atm, and thus the conditions of "normal boiling point" are specified.

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