4.2. Vapor Pressure

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define vapor pressure in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about pressure in relation to states of matter.

2. 2.

   What does the star signify when placed next to Rho (ρ)?

   Hint

   Recall its relation to stability.

3. 3.

   What does a high vapor pressure indicate about a chemical?

   • It will evaporate quickly.
   • It will sink in water.
   • It is non-toxic.

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between phase and pressure.

4. 4.

   True or False: Partition constants can help predict the behavior of chemicals in different environmental media.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how chemicals interact in various environments.

5. 5.

   A chemical with a vapor pressure of 50 mmHg spills into soil with a high organic content. Discuss its likely distribution in the soil and air.

   Hint

   Consider both adsorptive behavior and evaporation.

6. 6.

   Analyze the partition constants of two chemicals, one with high water solubility and low vapor pressure, and another with low solubility and high vapor pressure. Predict their environmental fate.

   Hint

   Reflect on how phase behavior impacts distribution.