What is the boiling point of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) at standard atmospheric pressure?
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A.
51.2 °C
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B.
100 °C
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C.
78.2 °C
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D.
120 °C
Correct Answer:
C. 78.2 °C
Explanation:
The boiling point of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm) is approximately 78.2 °C. This temperature represents the point at which the vapor pressure of the liquid ethanol equals the external pressure of the atmosphere, allowing it to transition into a gaseous state.
Analysis of the options: - 51.2 °C: This temperature is significantly lower than the actual boiling point of ethanol.
- 100 °C: This is the boiling point of pure water at sea level.
- 78.2 °C: This is the correct boiling point for ethanol under standard conditions.
- 120 °C: This temperature exceeds the boiling point of ethanol at standard pressure.The relatively high boiling point of ethanol compared to other similarly sized molecules is primarily due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, which enables strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These bonds require more thermal energy to break, resulting in a boiling point of 78.2 °C.
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