Question

In Boulder, Colorado, the atmospheric pressure is usually around 625 mmHg. How would this affect the observed boiling points of toluene and cyclohexane?

Answer 1

Boiling point is the temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid is equal to the pressure exerted on the liquid by the atmospheric pressure. The normal atmospheric pressure is 760 mmHg. But in Boulder, Colorado , the atmospheric pressure is 625 mmHg , which is lower than normal atmospheric pressure. So, the temperature will be lowered at which the vapour pressure of liquid will be equal to 625 mmHg. So, the boiling point of toluene and cyclohexane will be lowered in Boulder, Colorado.