Pentane, C₅H₁₂, boils at 35°C. Which of the following is true about kinetic energy, E_k, and potential energy, E_p, when liquid pentane at 35°C is compared with pentane vapor at 35°C? A)E _k( g) E _k( l); E _p( g)≈ E _p( l) C)E _p( g) E _p( l); E _k( g)≈ E _k( l) E)E _p( g)≈ E _p( l); E _k( g)≈ E _k( l)

Question

Pentane, C₅H₁₂, boils at 35°C. Which of the following is true about kinetic energy, E_k, and potential energy, E_p, when liquid pentane at 35°C is compared with pentane vapor at 35°C? A)E _k( g)< E _k( l); E _p( g)≈ E _p( l) B)E _k( g)> E _k( l); E _p( g)≈ E _p( l) C)E _p( g)< E _p( l); E _k( g)≈ E _k( l) D)E _p( g)> E _p( l); E _k( g)≈ E _k( l) E)E _p( g)≈ E _p( l); E _k( g)≈ E _k( l)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy of pentane vapor is higher than that of liquid pentane because the molecules in the vapor phase are further apart, overcoming intermolecular forces. The kinetic energy remains approximately the same for both phases at the same temperature.

Pentane, C5H12, Boils at 35°C

Pentane, C₅H₁₂, Boils at 35°C