Question

The intermolecular distance between two closest Ar atoms in solid argon is ~3.8 Å. The polarizability of argon is 1.66⨯10^-30 m³, and the first ionization energy is 1521 kJ/mol.

a. Estimate the boiling point of argon. [Hint: Calculate the potential energy due to dispersion interaction for solid argon, and equate this quantity to the average kinetic energy of 1 mole of argon gas, which is (3/2) RT.]

b. The actual boiling point of argon is 88 K. Explain any difference between the calculated and actual values.

Answer 1