Liquid-Vapour Equilibrium
In the study of chemical equilibria, the liquid-vapour equilibrium is a crucial aspect. When a liquid is placed in a closed container, it evaporates, forming vapour. Molecules with higher kinetic energy escape the liquid phase, while some vapour molecules return to the liquid, leading to a state where the rates of evaporation and condensation balance each other. This condition is termed dynamic equilibrium.
At this point, the quantity of vapour pressure remains constant at a specific temperature, known as the equilibrium vapour pressure. Various substances exhibit different equilibrium vapour pressures at the same temperature, giving insight into their volatility and boiling points. For example, water reaches its boiling point at 100°C and a pressure of 1.013 bar, while changes in altitude can affect this boiling point.
Dynamic equilibrium reflects the continuous exchange of molecules between phases, underlining that systems at equilibrium exhibit constant macroscopic properties despite ongoing microscopic activities. Furthermore, the section discusses how both the physical state of substances and chemical reactions can attain equilibrium, depending on the concentration, temperature, or pressure conditions applied. These principles serve essential applications in both industrial processes and laboratory settings.