Question

the following diagram represents c₂h₂(l). which of the following diagrams best represents the c₂h₂ after it vaporizes?

Explanation:

When a substance vaporizes (changes from liquid to gas), the molecules separate but the chemical formula of the substance remains the same. In the original diagram, \(C_2H_2\) is represented as molecules (each molecule has 2 black spheres - \(C\) atoms and 2 white spheres - \(H\) atoms). Option A shows intact \(C_2H_2\) molecules separated from each other (which is consistent with vaporization, as only the intermolecular distance increases, not the molecular structure). Option B shows individual \(C\) atoms and \(H_2\) molecules, which would imply a chemical decomposition (breaking of \(C - H\) bonds in \(C_2H_2\)), which does not occur during vaporization. Option C shows \(C_2\) units and individual \(H\) atoms, also implying bond - breaking (of \(C - H\) bonds), which is incorrect for a physical vaporization process.

Answer:

A.