Question

which statement(s) is/are true for a liquid that is evaporating?
select all that apply
a vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure
b vapor pressure < atmospheric pressure
c bubbles cannot form.
d bubbles can form.

Explanation:

• Evaporation occurs at the surface of a liquid. For evaporation, the vapor pressure is less than the atmospheric pressure. If vapor pressure were equal to atmospheric pressure, boiling (not just evaporation) would occur.
• During evaporation, bubbles do not form as boiling (where vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure) is required for bubble formation in the bulk of the liquid.

Answer:

B. vapor pressure < atmospheric pressure, C. Bubbles cannot form.