The plots below represent vapor pressure vs.temperature curves for diethyl ether,ethanol,mercury,and water,not necessarily in that order.
-Based on the relative strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction of each substance,which is the most likely vapor pressure vs.temperature curve for ethanol?
A)curve (a)
B)curve (b)
C)curve (c)
D)curve (d)

Question

The plots below represent vapor pressure vs.temperature curves for diethyl ether,ethanol,mercury,and water,not necessarily in that order. 
-Based on the relative strengths of the intermolecular forces of attraction of each substance,which is the most likely vapor pressure vs.temperature curve for ethanol?
A)curve (a) 
B)curve (b) 
C)curve (c) 
D)curve (d)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethanol has weaker intermolecular forces compared to water, so its vapor pressure curve should be shifted to the right (higher temperatures) and be flatter. Curve (b) fits this description the best. Curve (c) is for mercury, which has very strong metallic bonding and does not follow typical vapor pressure trends. Curve (a) is for diethyl ether, which is structurally similar to ethanol but has weaker intermolecular forces and a more drastic increase in vapor pressure with increasing temperature. Curve (d) is for water, which has stronger intermolecular forces than ethanol and a more pronounced increase in vapor pressure with increasing temperature.

The Plots Below Represent Vapor Pressure Vs