What is the mole fraction of B in the vapor …

Chemistry Questions

What is the mole fraction of B in the vapor phase when A and B are mixed with a mole fraction of A at 0.4, given their vapor pressures at 25°C are 75 mm Hg and 25 mm Hg, respectively?

Short Answer

To find the mole fraction of component B in the vapor phase, first calculate the mole fraction of B in the liquid phase (0.6), then use Raoult’s Law to determine the partial pressures (PA = 30 mm Hg, PB = 15 mm Hg). Finally, calculate the total vapor pressure (45 mm Hg) and the mole fraction of B in the vapor phase (0.333).

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the mole fraction of component B in the vapor phase using Raoult’s Law, follow these three steps:

Step 1: Calculate the Mole Fraction of B in the Liquid Phase

First, determine the mole fraction of B in the liquid phase, which can be calculated from the mole fraction of A. Since the total mole fraction must equal 1, use the formula:

  • XB = 1 – XA = 1 – 0.4 = 0.6

Step 2: Calculate Partial Pressures of A and B

Next, use Raoult’s Law to calculate the partial pressures of each component in the vapor phase. Multiply the mole fractions by their respective vapor pressures:

  • PA = XA * vapor pressure of A = 0.4 * 75 mm Hg = 30 mm Hg
  • PB = XB * vapor pressure of B = 0.6 * 25 mm Hg = 15 mm Hg

Step 3: Calculate Total Vapor Pressure and Mole Fraction of B in Vapor Phase

Now, find the total vapor pressure of the mixture by adding the partial pressures, then calculate the mole fraction of B in the vapor phase using its partial pressure:

  • Total Vapor Pressure = PA + PB = 30 mm Hg + 15 mm Hg = 45 mm Hg
  • Mole Fraction of B in Vapor = PB / Total Vapor Pressure = 15 mm Hg / 45 mm Hg = 0.333

Related Concepts

Mole Fraction

The ratio of the number of moles of a component to the total number of moles of all components in a mixture

Raoult’S Law

A principle that states the partial vapor pressure of each component in a mixture is equal to the product of its mole fraction in the liquid phase and its vapor pressure in pure form

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a single component of a gas mixture, which can be calculated based on its mole fraction and the total pressure of the system.

Scroll to Top