Which of the following is not true with reference to evaporation of liquid?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → The evaporation rate follows the order of Water > Alcohol > Ether.
Rate of evaporation depends on:
• Intermolecular forces
• Temperature
• Surface area
• Nature of liquid
Lower intermolecular forces → faster evaporation
Explanation
Statement 1
Liquids with weaker intermolecular forces require less energy for molecules to escape into vapor phase. Hence, they evaporate faster.
Statement 2
Higher temperature increases kinetic energy of molecules. More molecules acquire enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces. Hence, evaporation rate increases.
Statement 3
Larger surface area exposes more molecules to the atmosphere. Thus, more molecules can escape simultaneously. Hence, evaporation increases.
Statement 4
Actual evaporation order based on intermolecular forces is:
Ether > Alcohol > Water
Water has strongest hydrogen bonding → slowest evaporation Ether has weakest intermolecular forces → fastest evaporation Hence, given order is incorrect.