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Vernier - Evaporation and Intermolecular Attractions

Activity Overview

Students will study temperature changes caused by the evaporation of alkenes and alcohols and relate this data to the strength of intermolecular forces of attraction. They will also predict, and then measure, the temperature change for other liquids.

Key Steps

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    Students will set up and use 2 temperature probes immersed in ethanol and propanol. The temperature probes are taken out of the liquids after being immersed for 30 seconds and data collection is started.

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    The probes are then taped to a table with their tips extending 5cm over the edge. A temperature vs time graph is created as the liquids evaporate. Students then calculate the change in temperature as the liquids evaporate in order to answer questions regarding intermolecular forces of liquids.