Abstract

The way in which intermolecular interactions affect physical properties is measured in this lab through the comparison of the interaction of molecules in Ethanol and Acetone.  To perform this lab, a beaker filled with water is heated until the temperature is about 80 degrees and bubbles begin to form.  The pressure sensor and temperature sensor are connected to the rubber stopper placed in the flask and connected to the data collection system.  50 mL of Ethanol is transferred into the flask and once the fumes begin to fill it, the flask is removed from the water bath and the rubber stopper is placed over it to prevent the ethanol gas to escape.  The data collection is continued until the water temperature drops to approximately 30 degrees.  The procedure is repeated with 50 mL of Acetone in a 60 degree water bath allowing the flask to cool to about 25 degrees C.  From the data collected on the graphs, the heat of vaporization is determined for ethanol and acetone.