The following graph is a heating curve for chloroform, a solvent for fats, oils, and waxes:
d. At the following temperatures, is chloroform a solid, liquid, or gas?
–80 °C, –40 °C; 25 °C; 80 °C

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Analyze the heating curve provided in the graph. The graph shows temperature changes as heat is added to chloroform. Flat regions indicate phase changes (melting or boiling), while sloped regions indicate temperature increases within a single phase.
2. Step 2: Identify the phase transition points. From the graph, the flat region near -100 °C corresponds to the melting point (solid to liquid transition), and the flat region near 60 °C corresponds to the boiling point (liquid to gas transition).
3. Step 3: Determine the phase of chloroform at -80 °C. Since -80 °C is above the melting point (-100 °C) but below the boiling point (60 °C), chloroform is in the liquid phase.
4. Step 4: Determine the phase of chloroform at -40 °C. Similar to -80 °C, -40 °C is also above the melting point and below the boiling point, so chloroform is in the liquid phase.
5. Step 5: Determine the phase of chloroform at 25 °C and 80 °C. At 25 °C, chloroform is still in the liquid phase because it is below the boiling point. At 80 °C, chloroform is in the gas phase because it is above the boiling point.

Key Concepts

Heating Curve

A heating curve is a graphical representation that shows the change in temperature of a substance as heat is added over time. It illustrates phase changes, such as melting and boiling, where temperature remains constant despite heat input. Understanding the heating curve is essential for determining the state of a substance at various temperatures.

Phase Changes

Phase changes refer to the transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states of matter. For chloroform, these changes occur at specific temperatures: it solidifies below its freezing point, melts at its melting point, and vaporizes at its boiling point. Recognizing these temperature thresholds is crucial for identifying the state of chloroform at given temperatures.

Chloroform Properties

Chloroform is a chemical compound with distinct physical properties, including a freezing point of approximately -63.5 °C and a boiling point of about 61.2 °C. These properties dictate its behavior under varying temperature conditions. Knowing these values helps in determining whether chloroform is solid, liquid, or gas at specific temperatures.