Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

Determining the Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

John Smith
Due: September 20, 2012
Conducted: September 13, 2012

Abstract
The volatile liquid was poured into an Erlenmeyer flask which was covered with an
aluminium foil with an orifice in it. The volatile liquid was evaporated when the Erlenmeyer
flask was placed into boiling water. After having condensed the vapour back into the liquid,
the change in mass was measured. The molar mass of the volatile liquid was determined to
be (44+/-3)g/mol which is within the accepted value of 46g/mol. The identity of the volatile
liquid is ethanol. The purpose of the experimentto determine the molar mass of a volatile
liquidwas achieved with only a 6% error at the worst possible case. A possible error was
that the mass of the Erlenmeyer flask and contents was not measured immediately after
cooling the Erlenmeyer flask and condensing the gas into its liquid state. Given the volatile
nature of the liquid, some of the liquid may have evaporated again to an extant determined by
its vapour pressure and resulted in a lower mass and molar mass of the liquid. An
improvement would be to have to orifice of the Erlenmeyer flask covered at all times and to
perform operations regarding the volatile liquid quickly.
Purpose
To determine the molecular mass of a volatile liquid by applying the Kinetic Molecular
Theory and the ideal gas law.

Background
The molecular mass of the volatile liquid will be calculated using the ideal gas law:

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

Equation 1 the ideal gas equation; used to find the moles of the volatile liquid
PV =nRT , where P= pressureatm , V =volumelitres ,
n=moles , R=

0.08206 ( L atm )
,T =temperature Kelvin
mol K

Equation 2 Mr = m/n; used to solve for the molar mass

M r=

m
, w here M r =molar mass , m=mass ,n=moles The Kinetic Molecular Theory
n

assumes that
1) Gases are made up of particles which are in constant random motion in straight lines
2) The particles behave as rigid spheres
3) Pressure is due to collisions between the gas particles walls of the container
4) All collisions are perfectly elastic; that is there is no loss of kinetic energy during the
collisions
5) The temperature of the gas is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the gas
particles
6) No intermolecular forces exists between the gas particles; or if intermolecular forces
exist, they are negligible
7) Volume occupied by the gas particles is negligible compared to the volume of the
container.

Assumptions (6) and (7) have to be addressed more thoroughly. From assumption (7) of the
Kinetic Molecular Theory is derived the following: the volume of the volatile liquid in its
gaseous state is assumed to be equal the volume of the containerthe 250mL Erlenmeyer
flask. If all gases behaved ideally, then the equation for the ideal gas law (eq. 1) suggests that
for all gases ideal:
Equation 3 compression factor
PV
=1
nRT

The problem arises from the assumption the kinetic molecular theory makes about the
volume of an ideal gas. For a real gas, the particles do take up a proportion of the space in
the container. As such, the volume available in the container for the random motion of the
gas particles (assumption 1) is less than the volume of the container:
Equation 4 volume correction for real gases

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

V available=V containerV nb , where b isthe correction factor for the gas

Theoretically, then, if the gas particles were compressed to such a point that the molecules
were touching each other, the volume available for random motion would be zero. As such,
when the volume of the container is used in equation (3) the resulting factor would be higher
than the actual factor if the volume for which the gas particles take up had been accounted.
From assumptions (3) and (6) are derived the following: the pressure inside the
container is equal to the pressure outside (the barometric pressure); no intermolecular forces
exist between the gas particles. The problem with assumption (6) of the Kinetic Molecular
Theory is that all real gases have intermolecular forces. Logic dictates that if no
intermolecular forces existed, no gas could be condensed to a liquid. Intermolecular forces
between gases result in a lower force with which a gas particle collides with the wall of the
container. This is because when the gas particle is approaching the wall of the container,
there is a net acceleration opposite the gas particles direction that is brought about due to
intermolecular attractions between the other gas particles; there exists, as such, a force
counteracting the acceleration of the gas particle and pulling the particle back into the main
body of gases. Since the particle slows down before hitting the wall, it exerts a lower
pressure than an ideal gas. As such, when the actual pressure is plugged into equation (3), the
resulting value will be lower than if the gas was ideal. The correction for the pressure is
shown below:
Equation 5 pressure correction for real gases
Pobserved=Pideal Pa

n
V

( )

, where

n
V

( ) dictates surface area ,P= pressure

Since temperature affects pressure directly,

Equation 6 Gay-Lussacs law
P1 P2
=
T1 T 2
and since temperature is proportional to the average kinetic energy of gases according to
assumption (5) of the Kinetic Molecular theory, it can be deduced that as the temperature
decreases, the intermolecular forces are relatively stronger, and the probability that a gas
particles path is changed or a gas particle is pulled back before colliding with the wall of the
container increases. In other words, at lower temperatures, the gas particles set up
intermolecular forces more easily. Conversely, at higher temperatures, the gas particles have
higher velocities and the effect of intermolecular forces is negligible.
It has to be noted that the terms lower temperature and higher temperature are relative. If
a definition is to be devised, lower temperature can be defined as the point at which gas
particles condense to form a liquid, and all temperatures higher than that point can be

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

considered higher temperatures. The significance of the condensation point is that it is at

the condensation point where the intermolecular attractions are strongest, relative to an ideal
gas, and the gas can be condensed into a liquid. The same concept applies to pressure.
When temperature is kept constant, as pressure increases, volume decreases, allowing the gas
particles to set up intermolecular attractions and condense.
To summarise, the gases are most not ideal when temperature is low, pressure is high,
or volume available for random motion is low. Conversely, the most ideal conditions are
when the temperature is high, the pressure is low, and the volume of the container is so large
as to make the volume taken up by the gas particles negligible. By these same principles, it
can be predicted which gas is the most ideal gas. The most ideal gas is one with the
smallest possible molecules and the weakest attractive forces; as such, the two candidates for
the most ideal gas are hydrogen and helium. Helium is, however, the better choice as it is a
single atom in contrast to the diatomic hydrogen. It can also be said that as molecules get
larger, the attractive forces become stronger; these gases or others that have other
intermolecular forces, such as dipole-dipole attractions, are less ideal. In general, it can be
concluded that besides the temperature, volume, and pressure of the system, the structure of
the gas molecules plays a part in whether the gas behaves ideally or not.
The Van der Waals equation attempts to produce an equation for real gases for which
the pressure and volume are corrected:
Equation 7 Van der Waals equation

an
p+ 2 ( V nb )=nRT ,
V

where ab are correction factors

Given the theory, the following are assumed:

Unknown, volatile liquid acts as an ideal gas when in gaseous state

the volatile liquid will not set up intermolecular forces with any other substance with
which it comes into contact

Pressure of the liquid in its gaseous state is equal to the barometric pressure; by
extension, the liquid is used in excess so as to push out all of the air in the Erlenmeyer
flask so the pressure inside only the pressure of the liquid in its gaseous state

Temperature of the liquid in its gaseous state is equal to the temperature of the boiling
water (100.oC)

Temperature and pressure are constant throughout the experiment

Mass difference is only due to the volatile liquid and not the water retained by the
aluminium (if any)

Variables
Table 1. List of Variables

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

Variable
Independent
mass of liquid
:

volume of liquid in
gaseous state
Dependent:
molar mass of
liquid

Temperature

Controlled:

Pressure

Procedure

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John Smith
Methodology/description

The mass of the liquid measured by difference in

mass of flask + aluminium foil and final mass of
flask and contents.
The volume of the liquid in gaseous state measured
by measuring the volume of the 250mL Erlenmeyer
flask using a 500mL graduated cylinder. It is
assumed that the volume of the flask is the volume
the liquid takes up in its gaseous state.
The molar mass of the liquid is calculated using the
following equations:
PV=nRT solved for n. Mr = mliquid / nliquid
Temperature must be kept constant as the
temperature affects the volume of the gas.
According to the Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT),
if the KEAVE of a gas increases the velocity of its
particles and the force with which they collide
increases; this results in an increase in pressure if
volume is held constant. Since the volume of the
container (the Erlenmeyer flask) is constant, to
account for the increase in temperature the gas
particles will escape through the hole made in the
aluminium foil (see procedure), which results in a
lower mole of the gas. It is assumed that the T of
the water, which boils at 100.oC is equal to the T of
the gas particles.
Pressure of the gas particles must remain constant as
pressure can affect the volume of the gas.
According to the KMT, an increase in pressure, if
temperature is held constant, results a lower volume
that the gas particles take up. This relationship can
be seen in the Ideal Gas Law:
PV=nRTP=(nRT)/VP=1/V.
It is assumed that the pressure inside the Erlenmeyer
flask is equal to the pressure outside (barometric
pressure). It is predicted, also, that no problems
should arise that might cause variations in pressure.

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

1. The mass of a piece of aluminium foil and a 250mL Erlenmeyer flask was measured.
Change: rubber bands were not used as they retain too much water and can lead to
inaccurate results. Mass measured with electronic balance (uncertainty: +/-0.01g)
2. 5-6 mL of the unknown liquid was added to the 250mL Erlenmeyer flask. The aluminium
foil was placed over the mouth of the Erlenmeyer flask and secure. A small hole was
made in the centre of the foil with a pin.
Suggestion: given that the liquid was volatile, it would have been better to have waited
until the Erlenmeyer flask was placed inside the beaker containing boiling water and then
made the hole in the centre of the foil.
Change: the square piece of aluminium foil is cut to a smaller piece so as to prevent it
from absorbing too much water.
3. The Erlenmeyer flask was clumped and immersed in the 800mL beaker nearly full of
boiling water.
4. Once the liquid had fully vaporised, the flask was removed using the clamp and cooled by
being held under running tap water.
Change: the orifice made at the centre of the aluminium foil was covered during and after
the cooling.
5. The flask and aluminium foil were wiped down.
6. The mass was determined using the electronic balance (uncertainty: +/-0.01g)
7. The cap was removed and the flask was filled completely with tap water. The volume
was measured.
Change: The volume of the water inside the Erlenmeyer flask was measured using a
500mL graduated cylinder with an uncertainty of +/-3mL. Suggestion: To measure the
volume of the Erlenmeyer flask by volume difference (graduated cylinder is filled. The
water is then poured into the Erlenmeyer flask), or calculate the volume using the density
of water (the Erlenmeyer flask is massed, filled with water, and massed again. The
change in mass is the mass of water and is used to calculate the volume of the Erlenmeyer
flask since the density of water is around 1.00g/cm3)

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

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John Smith

Ring stand

ring stand

250mL
Erlenmeyer
clamp flask
800mL beaker

Hot plate
Figure 1 the apparatus set up for the procedure. The 250mL Erlenmeyer flask contains the unknown,
volatile liquid and is immersed and held by the clamp attached to the ring stand in the 800mL beaker
containing boiling water.

Data
Table 2. Data for measurements needed to find the Mr of the unknown liquid
Pressure in room (+/-0.1 inHg)

30.14

Pressure in room (+/-0.3 mmHg)

765.5

Temperature of boiling water (oC)

100.

Mass of aluminium foil and flask (+/-0.01g)

120.16

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John Smith

Mass of aluminium foil, flask, and contents

(+/-0.01g)

120.55

Mass of contents (+/-0.02g)

0.39

Volume of Erlenmeyer flask (+/-3mL)

269

Table 3. Class data for the molar mass of the unknown liquid
Group
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Molar mass (+/- 3 g/mol)

42
38
31
38
25
63
44
33

Sample Calculations

Calculating the moles of the volatile liquid in its gaseous state using PV =nRT
25.40 mmHg
1.000 atm
P=( 30.14 0.01 ) inHG

=( 1.007 0.001 ) atm

1.000 inHg 760.0 mmHg

V =269 3 mL

1.000 L
=( 0.269 0.003 ) L
1000.mL

T =100. C+273=373 K

n=?

R=0.08206

L atm
mol K

Lab #4: Molecular Mass of a Volatile Liquid

n=
n=

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John Smith

PV
RT

( 1.007 atm 0.001 atm )( 0.269 L 0.003 L )

L atm
0.08206
(373 K )
mol K

n=( 0.00885 0.0001 ) mol

Calculating the molar mass of the volatile liquid:

m
M r=
n
M r=

( 0.39 0.02 ) g
( 0.00885 0.0001 ) mol

M r=

( 44 3 ) g
mol

Propagation of error:
P uncertainty V uncertaintym
+
+
( uncertainty
) 100
P
V
V

uncertainty=

0.01
3 0.02
+
+
100=6.3
( 30.14
269 0.39 )

uncertainty=

Total uncertainty=0.063 M r

Total uncertainty=0.063 ( 44 )=3

Molar mass of volatile liquid = (44+/-3)g/mol

Percent error:
Correct value for molar mass = 46g/mol ethanol
|experimentalcorrect|
error =
100
correct

|( 44 3)46|

error =

46

100=6

Conclusion
As the correct value for the molar mass of ethanol, which was the unknown, volatile liquid
used in this experiment, is 46g/mol, the molar mass calculated experimentally (44+/-3) is
close to the accepted value with a 6% error considering the worst-case uncertainties. As
such, the purpose of the experiment: to find the molecular mass of an unknown, volatile
liquid, is accomplished. The class data is mostly concentrated around the low side of the
correct value. This suggests that some systematic error was present. One group acquired a
value of (63+/-3)g/mol which is an outlier considering the data and the correct value of
46g/mol (see table 3 for values). The molar mass of (25+/-3)g/mol acquired by group 5 can

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also be considered an outlier considering the correct value of 46g/mol. In general, it can be
said that the values of the outliers are also due to systematic error. Overall, the experiment
should have worked and the cluster of values should have been around the correct value of
46g/mol.
Evaluation
Possible errors resulting in a larger molar mass than the correct value and
corresponding improvements

The aluminium foil may have been too large, and as a result retained too much water.
The extra water led to an increase in mass value and in turn molar mass. A suggested
improvement would be to test the aluminium foil on the opening of the Erlenmeyer
flask and cutting it respectively so that the foil will cover only what is needed and is
in such a position to not retain too much water.

Possible errors resulting in a smaller molar mass than the correct value and
corresponding improvements

the mass of the Erlenmeyer flask and contents was not measured immediately after
cooling the Erlenmeyer flask and condensing the gas back to its liquid state. Since the
liquid is volatile, this could lead to evaporation of the liquid particles and their escape
through the orifice that had been made in the aluminium foil which covered the
opening of the flask. In short, an amount of the volatile liquid could have been lost if
exposed; an improvement would be to have the opening of the Erlenmeyer flask
covered at all times so as to prevent effusion of the evaporated liquid molecules.
Another improvement would be to cool the liquid faster and in general work faster
with the volatile liquid.

The volatile liquid was heated for too long, or that 10 minutes was too long to boil all
the liquid. Though the temperature of water cannot get any higher than 100oC, the
temperature of the Erlenmeyer flask and the gas inside of it can. Heating for too long
means an increase in the average kinetic energy which results in a higher pressure if
the volume is kept constant. To correct for the increase in pressure, a larger amount of
the gas escapes through the orifice in the Erlenmeyer flask; this is because pressure
and the amount of a gas (mols) are directly proportional and equal if temperature and
volume are kept constant. A possible improvement would be to periodically check to
see if the liquid has evaporated fully.

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Before the liquid is present in the Erlenmeyer, there is a fixed amount of air in the
container which contributes to the mass. When the liquid is in the Erlenmeyer flask,
it vapourises and the presence of the liquid in its gaseous state forces the air through
the orifice to equalise pressure. But when the gaseous molecules of the volatile liquid
are condensed, the mass of the air originally in the Erlenmeyer flask is missing. An
improvement for this is to either account mathematically for the amount of vapour
that formed from the volatile liquid which equals to the amount of air that effused
through the orifice. Another possible improvement is to cover the orifice at all times
and perform the experiment as quickly as possible so as not to let any volatile liquid
evaporate

The nature of the volatile liquidethanol

The nature of the volatile liquid used has to be questioned. Though a volatile liquid is
required for the experiment, a liquid that is too volatile will result in a significant amount lost
to evaporation through an orifice made in a container (the Erlenmeyer flask for the purposes
of this experiment). The size of the molecule of ethanol and its intermolecular forces can also
affect and result in error in determining the. Ethanols molecular formula is as follows:
CH3CH2OH

Given its structure, it can be reasoned that ethanol can easily interact and set up
intermolecular forces with water and water vapour. The hydroxyl group allows ethanol to be
easily miscible with water. There is, then, a possibility if the inside of the Erlenmeyer flask
or the aluminium foil were contaminated with water somehow that intermolecular forces
were set up between ethanol and water vapour/liquid which would then result in the content
in the Erlenmeyer flask not being only the gaseous particles of ethanol.
The boiling point of ethanol is also lower than the boiling point of water. This can be
both a good thing and a bad thing. The Kinetic Molecular theory (see Background) suggests
that ideal gases have no intermolecular forces. However, it is at condensation that
intermolecular forces are strongest; logically, it is also at condensation that gases behave most

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John Smith

non-ideally. So, the temperature of the gaseous particles should be high enough to not allow
intermolecular forces and low enough to not lose too much of the gas through orifice (in
order to equalise the pressure) in the Erlenmeyer flask to result in a lower mass than the
actual mass.
Uncertainty in measurement
Most of the uncertainty in measurement comes from the calculating the difference in mass
(refer to data table 1). Given the importance of the mass of the volatile liquid in this
experiment and the precision with which it should be measured, it would have been better to
have measured the change in mass of the Erlenmeyer flask before and after the liquid was
added using an analytical balance.