Water properties – saturated vapor pressure at the normal boiling point At 100°C (the normal boiling point of water), the saturated vapor pressure of water is approximately equal to what pressure in bar?
-
A0.1013
-
B1.013
-
C10.13
-
D101.3
Answer
Correct Answer: 1.013
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The normal boiling point of a liquid is defined as the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the standard atmospheric pressure. For water, this reference point is foundational in steam tables, heat-transfer calculations, and unit operations design.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Normal boiling point of water is 100°C at 1 atmosphere.
- Standard atmospheric pressure = 1.013 bar ≈ 101.325 kPa.
Concept / Approach:At the normal boiling point, phase equilibrium requires p_sat,water = p_atm. Thus the correct numerical value for saturated vapor pressure at 100°C is the atmospheric pressure in consistent units.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall definition: normal boiling point → p_sat = 1 atm.Convert 1 atm to bar: 1 atm ≈ 1.013 bar.Select 1.013 bar.Verification / Alternative check:Steam tables list p_sat at 100°C as 101.325 kPa = 1.01325 bar, confirming the choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 0.1013 bar: That is about 0.1 atm (10.13 kPa), much too low.
- 10.13 or 101.3 bar: Exceedingly high; 101.3 bar corresponds to about 100 atm.
Common Pitfalls:Mixing up kPa and bar; note 1 bar = 100 kPa, not 10 kPa.
Final Answer:1.013