Clausius–Clapeyron for vapor pressure vs temperature: which assumptions are typically invoked to obtain the integrated form used in engineering calculations?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: All (a), (b), and (c).

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The Clausius–Clapeyron equation relates saturation pressure to temperature and is widely used to estimate vapor pressures and heats of vaporization. To obtain a simple, integrable expression, standard simplifying assumptions are made. Recognizing these assumptions guides correct application and awareness of limitations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Phase equilibrium between a liquid and its vapor.
  • Narrow temperature range for data fitting.
  • Engineering-level accuracy, not high-precision thermodynamic modeling.


Concept / Approach:
The integrated Clausius–Clapeyron form ln P = −(ΔHvap/R)(1/T) + C comes from: (1) treating the vapor as an ideal gas; (2) assuming the molar latent heat ΔHvap is approximately constant over the temperature interval; and (3) neglecting the liquid molar volume compared with the vapor molar volume so that Δv ≈ v_vapor. These together simplify the differential form to an easily integrated linear relation in 1/T.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Start: dP/dT = ΔHvap / (T * Δv).Approximate Δv ≈ v_vapor and use ideal gas: v_vapor = RT / P.Assume ΔHvap ≈ constant → integrate to ln P = −(ΔHvap/R)(1/T) + C.Therefore, all listed assumptions (a), (b), and (c) are involved.


Verification / Alternative check:
Comparisons to Antoine correlations show improved accuracy when temperature dependence of ΔHvap is allowed; the CC form is nonetheless valuable for quick estimates under the stated assumptions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Picking only a subset misses at least one essential simplification.


Common Pitfalls:
Applying the simple CC equation near the critical point or over wide temperature spans where ΔHvap varies significantly and liquid volumes are not negligible.


Final Answer:
All (a), (b), and (c).

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