Which of the following statements correctly characterizes the rate of evaporation of a liquid?
I. Increases with increasing temperature because molecules have higher kinetic energies.
II. Increases with increasing surface area of the liquid because more molecules are located at the surface.
III. Decreases with stronger intermolecular forces because molecules are less able to escape from the surface of the liquid.
A)I only
B)II only
C)III only
D)I and II only
E)all three: I, II, and III

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three statements correctly characterize the factors affecting the rate of evaporation of a liquid. Statement I is true because higher temperatures provide molecules with more kinetic energy, making it easier for them to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the vapor phase. Statement II is accurate because a larger surface area allows more molecules to be at the surface where evaporation occurs. Statement III correctly notes that stronger intermolecular forces reduce the rate of evaporation, as molecules find it harder to escape the liquid phase.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Characterizes the Rate of Evaporation