The critical temperature of water is higher than that of O_{2} because H_{2}O molecule has (2024)

As an expert in chemistry, I have a comprehensive understanding of various concepts within the field, and I am well-versed in the principles that govern the behavior of different substances. My expertise extends to topics such as molecular structure, intermolecular forces, and the physical properties of gases.

Now, let's delve into the content provided in the article about the liquefaction of gases and the critical temperature of water compared to that of $$O_{2}$$:

1. Critical Temperature:

• The critical temperature of a substance is the temperature above which the substance cannot exist in the liquid state, regardless of the pressure applied. It is a crucial parameter in understanding the behavior of gases under different conditions.

2. Dipole Moment:

• A dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule. It is a vector quantity, and its magnitude is given in Debye units (D). A non-zero dipole moment indicates a polar molecule, while a zero dipole moment suggests a nonpolar molecule.

3. Water ($$H_{2}O$$) Molecule:

• Water is a polar molecule due to the presence of electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
• The molecule has a V-shape or bent molecular geometry.
• The oxygen atom in water is more electronegative than hydrogen, leading to the development of a dipole moment.

4. Oxygen ($$O_{2}$$) Molecule:

• $$O_{2}$$ is a diatomic molecule composed of two oxygen atoms.
• It has a linear molecular geometry.
• Oxygen has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen but, being a diatomic molecule with a linear structure, its dipole moment is zero.

5. Comparison of Critical Temperatures:

• The article discusses the critical temperatures of water ($$H{2}O$$) and oxygen ($$O{2}$$).
• The critical temperature of water is stated to be higher than that of $$O_{2}$$.

6. Explanation:

• The reason given for the higher critical temperature of water is its dipole moment.
• Water ($$H{2}O$$) has a dipole moment of 1.84 D, while $$O{2}$$ has a dipole moment of 0 D.
• The presence of a dipole moment in water contributes to stronger intermolecular forces, requiring higher temperatures to break these forces and convert water into a gas.

In summary, the critical temperature of water being higher than that of $$O{2}$$ is attributed to the dipole moment of water, which results from the polar nature of the $$H{2}O$$ molecule. This understanding aligns with the principles of molecular interactions and provides insights into the liquefaction behavior of these substances.