What happens to the rate of condensation in Liquid-Vapour Equilibrium ...
Understanding Liquid-Vapour Equilibrium
Liquid-vapour equilibrium is a dynamic state where the rate of condensation equals the rate of evaporation. However, over time, the rate of condensation can change due to various factors.
Factors Affecting Rate of Condensation
- Temperature Influence: As the temperature of the system changes, the energy of the molecules also fluctuates. Higher temperatures increase molecular motion, leading to more evaporation and a decreased rate of condensation.
- Pressure Changes: An increase in pressure can raise the condensation rate, while a decrease often lowers it. This relationship is crucial in closed systems.
- Concentration of Vapour: In a closed environment, the concentration of vapour affects the rate of condensation. As more vapour accumulates, the likelihood of vapour molecules returning to the liquid phase increases, initially raising the condensation rate. However, as the system reaches equilibrium, the rate stabilizes.
Why the Rate of Condensation Decreases
- Equilibrium Achieved: Initially, when a liquid is heated, the rate of evaporation is high. However, as vapour accumulates, the rate of condensation increases until equilibrium is reached. Beyond this point, if conditions remain unchanged, condensation will not increase indefinitely.
- Saturation Point: Once the air above the liquid reaches its saturation point, the rate of condensation can decrease. The vapour cannot condense further if the air is already saturated with moisture.
Conclusion
In summary, the rate of condensation in liquid-vapour equilibrium generally decreases over time after reaching stability. This is due to the balance established between the rates of evaporation and condensation, as well as external factors like temperature and pressure.
What happens to the rate of condensation in Liquid-Vapour Equilibrium ...
In Liquid-Vapour Equilibrium, the rate of condensation decreases with time as the system approaches equilibrium. Initially, the rate of evaporation exceeds condensation, but they become equal at equilibrium.