Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

1. Matter and Measurements

Physical Properties

GOB Chemistry

1. Matter and Measurements

Physical Properties

Previous problemNext problem

3:35 minutes

Problem 40

Textbook Question

Butane (C₄H₈) is an easily compressible gas used in cigarette lighters. It has a melting point of and a boiling point of -138.4 °C and a boiling point of -0.5 °C. Would you expect a butane lighter to work in winter when the temperature outdoors is 25 °F? Why or why not?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Convert the outdoor temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius using the formula:

T °C = \frac{5}{9} (T °F - 32)

. Plug in 25°F to calculate the equivalent temperature in Celsius.

Step 2: Compare the converted temperature to the boiling point of butane, which is 0.5°C. Recall that butane must be in the gaseous state to function in a lighter, and this occurs when the temperature is above its boiling point.

Step 3: If the outdoor temperature is below the boiling point of butane, it will remain in the liquid state and may not vaporize effectively to produce a flame. If the temperature is above the boiling point, butane will vaporize and the lighter should work.

Step 4: Consider the physical properties of butane and how temperature affects its phase. At temperatures below the boiling point, the kinetic energy of butane molecules is insufficient to overcome intermolecular forces, keeping it in the liquid phase.

Step 5: Based on the comparison, determine whether the outdoor temperature allows butane to vaporize and explain why this affects the functionality of the lighter in winter conditions.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Phase Changes

Phase changes refer to the transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states of matter, which are influenced by temperature and pressure. For butane, its melting point (-138.4°C) indicates that it remains a gas at typical outdoor temperatures, while its boiling point (0.5°C) shows that it can condense into a liquid at lower temperatures. Understanding these phase changes is crucial for predicting the behavior of butane in different environmental conditions.

Temperature and Gas Behavior

The behavior of gases is significantly affected by temperature, as described by gas laws. At lower temperatures, gases can condense into liquids, which is relevant for butane in winter conditions. When the outdoor temperature is 25°F (-3.9°C), which is below butane's boiling point, the gas may not vaporize effectively, impacting the lighter's functionality.

Pressure and Compression

Compression refers to the reduction of gas volume under pressure, which can affect its state and usability. Butane is easily compressible, allowing it to be stored as a liquid in lighters. However, if the temperature is too low, the pressure may not be sufficient to keep butane in a gaseous state, leading to difficulties in igniting the lighter in cold weather.

Watch next

Master Physical Properties Concept with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

a. Chromium is a steel-gray solid.

1308

views

Textbook Question

Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

e. Propane gas is compressed to a liquid for placement in a small cylinder.

1310

views

Textbook Question

Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

b. Apple slices turn brown when they are exposed to air.

1260

views

Textbook Question

Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

a. Neon is a colorless gas at room temperature.

1284

views

Textbook Question

Identify each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

c. Gold is a good conductor of electricity.

1228

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not a physical property?

Pure acetic acid, which gives the sour taste to vinegar, has a melting point of 16.7 °C and a boiling point of 118 °C . Predict the physical state of acetic acid when the ambient temperature is 10 °C .

1881

views

Textbook Question

Describe each of the following as a physical or chemical property:

b. Hydrogen reacts readily with oxygen.

1396

views

Show more practices