(a) The compound 1-iodododecane is a nonvolatile liquid with a density of 1.20 g>mL. The density of mercury is 13.6 g>mL. What do you predict for the height of a barometer column based on 1-iodododecane, when the atmospheric pressure is 749 torr?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the height of a barometer column is inversely proportional to the density of the liquid used. This means that a liquid with a higher density will have a shorter column height, and a liquid with a lower density will have a taller column height.
2. Step 2: Recall that the standard atmospheric pressure is 760 torr, which corresponds to a mercury column height of 760 mm (or 76 cm). This is because mercury has a density of 13.6 g/mL.
3. Step 3: Calculate the height of the mercury column when the atmospheric pressure is 749 torr. This can be done by setting up a proportion: (749 torr / 760 torr) = (x mm / 760 mm), where x is the height of the mercury column at 749 torr.
4. Step 4: Now, calculate the height of the 1-iodododecane column at 749 torr. Since the density of 1-iodododecane is 1.20 g/mL, which is lower than the density of mercury, the column height will be higher. Set up a proportion: (13.6 g/mL / 1.20 g/mL) = (x mm / height of mercury column at 749 torr), where x is the height of the 1-iodododecane column.
5. Step 5: Solve the proportion in step 4 to find the height of the 1-iodododecane column at 749 torr. This will be your final answer.

Key Concepts

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere at a given point. It is commonly measured in units such as torr or mmHg. A barometer uses a column of liquid, typically mercury, to measure this pressure; the height of the liquid column is directly proportional to the atmospheric pressure.

Density and Pressure Relationship

The relationship between density and pressure is crucial in understanding how different liquids can be used in barometers. The height of a liquid column in a barometer is inversely proportional to the density of the liquid; a denser liquid will result in a shorter column height for the same atmospheric pressure compared to a less dense liquid.

Conversion of Units

Understanding how to convert between different units of pressure and density is essential for solving problems in chemistry. In this context, converting torr to other pressure units or relating the density of 1-iodododecane to mercury allows for accurate calculations of the expected height of the barometer column when using a different liquid.