distillation?

Question

If a distillation exp were done on top of a mountain hopw would the temperature be affected and why?

Answer 1

First remember what a boiling point is. The definition of boiling point is the temperature at which the liquid's vapor pressure equals the atmospheric pressure.

Second remember that the vapor pressure of a liquid increases with temperature.

If the boiling point at 1.0 atmosphere pressure (sea level) is x degrees C and you go to the top of the mountain, where the atmospheric pressure is less than 1.0 atmosphere would yoiu expect the boiling point to be greater than, less than or equal to x degrees C? Think this over and understand what the proper answer is and why.

The boiling point is lower on the mountain top because the pressure is lower on the mountain top and the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure at a lower temp than at 1.0 atmosphere.

Having said all of this, in a distillation experiment done at sea level and then done on the mountain top, you will notice the boiling points at sea level higher than boiling points at mountain top.

Answer 2

The boiling point of all liquids decreases as altitude increases. This is because, by definition, the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure. Since there is less air above you the higher you go, the air pressure decreases with elevation. So, the boiling point does, too.

Answer 3

the lower the atmospheric pressure the lower the boilng point .thats the reason for radiator pressure cap the higher the pressure the higher the boilng point .1 psi =3 degress in temperture so at sea level(14.7 psi) water boils at 212 f at 15.7 it would be 215f the same is true in the reverse order