Question

liquid x is known to have a lower vapor pressure and lower surface tension than liquid y. use these facts to predict the result of each experiment in the table below, if you can.

experiment	predicted outcome
wax - coated particles carefully put onto the surface of liquid x or liquid y will stay on the surface, if the particles are small enough. the heaviest mass of particle (m_x) and (m_y) that will stay on each liquids surface without sinking are measured.	(m_x) will be greater than (m_y) <br> (m_x) will be less than (m_y) <br> (m_x) will be equal to (m_y) <br> its impossible to predict whether (m_x) or (m_y) will be greater without more information.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze first experiment

Volume of both liquid - X and Y drops is the same ($V = 45.0\ \mu L$). The volume formula for a sphere is $V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}$, and the surface - area formula is $S = 4\pi r^{2}$. Since $V$ is the same for both, the radius $r$ calculated from $V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}$ will be the same for both liquids. Then, using $S = 4\pi r^{2}$, the surface areas $S_X$ and $S_Y$ will be equal.

Step2: Analyze second experiment

Surface tension is related to the maximum mass that can be supported on the liquid surface. Liquid Y has higher surface tension. The force due to surface tension $F_T$ can support a mass $m$ such that $F_T=mg$ (where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity). Higher surface - tension means a greater force can be exerted to support a mass. So, the maximum mass $m_Y$ that can be supported on the surface of liquid Y will be greater than the maximum mass $m_X$ that can be supported on the surface of liquid X.

Answer:

1. $S_X$ will be equal to $S_Y$
2. $m_X$ will be less than $m_Y$