The Ideal Gas Equation: Volatile Liquids

Why are you able to use the ideal gas equation for a volatile liquid to determine its relative molecular mass? Surely because it's still a liquid the forces between the particles are too high for the ideal gas equation to be used? Please explain this thoroughly, thanks!

OP

Bump.

Original post by HurtfulHarold

Why are you able to use the ideal gas equation for a volatile liquid to determine its relative molecular mass? Surely because it's still a liquid the forces between the particles are too high for the ideal gas equation to be used? Please explain this thoroughly, thanks!

You can't???
It's not a gas?

Reply 3

typicalvirgo

13

Original post by HurtfulHarold

Why are you able to use the ideal gas equation for a volatile liquid to determine its relative molecular mass? Surely because it's still a liquid the forces between the particles are too high for the ideal gas equation to be used? Please explain this thoroughly, thanks!

I have a feeling it's something to do with the fact that it's volatile. That means it easily evaporates at room temperature...into a gas.

Reply 4

HurtfulHarold

OP

12

Original post by will'o'wisp

You can't???
It's not a gas?

But in the AQA Specification it states 'Students could be asked to find the Mr of a volatile liquid.' under sub section 3.1.2.3. Are you certain it's only for gases?

Reply 5

HurtfulHarold

OP

12

Original post by typicalvirgo

I have a feeling it's something to do with the fact that it's volatile. That means it easily evaporates at room temperature...into a gas.

Oh so if it's room temperature and you have a volatile liquid, you can just assume it would be a gas correct?

Reply 6

will'o'wisp

3

Original post by HurtfulHarold

But in the AQA Specification it states 'Students could be asked to find the Mr of a volatile liquid.' under sub section 3.1.2.3. Are you certain it's only for gases?

Logic would say yes

I'm sure they'll give you like the number of moles or a concentration and a volume or something

Reply 7

HurtfulHarold

OP

12

Original post by will'o'wisp

Logic would say yes

I'm sure they'll give you like the number of moles or a concentration and a volume or something

Hopefully, I may be acting paranoid but I don't want to mess up on a simple question like this if it comes up in the exam. I looked up volatile liquids and they are gases at room temperature so I think I've got it now.