Answers:
Consider how the solubility of water in air (the amount of water that
can dissolve into the air) might depend on the temperature of the air.
Which of the following curves would best illustrate the dependence of solubility
on temperature?
A: Curve A portrays a case in which multiple solubilities exist
at a single temperature, which is physically unreasonable (analogous to
having a ruler be all possible lengths at the same time).
B. illustrates a case where solubility is greater at high temperature
C. illustrates a case where solubility is independent of temperature
D. illustrates a case where solubility is lower at high temperature
Several common experiences can be brought to bear
on this problem: When will clothes dry fastest, when it is hot or
cold? When is the most snow likely, when temperatures are near freezing
or when temperatures are far below freezing? Does water get squeezed
out of air when it gets colder or hotter?
Clothes dry faster when it is warm, more snow is
likely when it is warmer, and water gets squeezed out of the air against
the cold Coke can and dew forms when it gets cooler at night.
Thus, we can conclude that warmer air holds more water (allowing clothes
to dry faster and providing more moisture for greater snow fall), and when
things get colder, water condenses out (explaining the formation of dew
on grass and on Coke cans.
Thus, the answer is B.
Home Page (est.htm) Previous Page (est4a5.html)