Fluid Mechanics Multiple Choice Questions on “Vapor Pressure”.
1. Which of the following statement is true about vapor pressure of a liquid?
a) Vapor pressure is closely related to molecular activity and temperature of the liquid
b) Vapor pressure is closely related to molecular activity but independent of the temperature of the liquid
c) Vapor pressure is not affected by molecular activity and temperature of the liquid
d) Vapor pressure is not affected by molecular activity and is independent of the temperature of the liquid
Answer: a
Clarification: The vapor pressure of a liquid at a given temperature is given by the pressure ex-erted by the saturated vapor on the liquid surface. When the vapor is saturated, an equilibrium exists between the liquid and the vapor phases. The number of molecules leaving the liquid surface is equal to the number of molecules entering the liquid surface. Hence, it is obvious that vapor pressure will be related to molecular activity and consequently to temperature. With the increase in temperature molecular activity increases as a result of which vapor pressure increases.
2. Which of the following equation correctly depicts the relation between the vapor pressure of a liquid and it’s temperature?
a) Vapor pressure increases linearly with the increase in temperature of the liquid
b) Vapor pressure increases slightly with the increase in temperature of the liquid at low temperatures and the rate of increase goes high at higher temperatures
c) Vapor pressure increases rapidly with the increase in temperature of the liquid at low temperatures and the rate of increase goes low at higher temperatures
d) Vapor pressure remains unchanged with the increase in temperature of the liquid
Answer: b
Clarification: Vapor pressure is closely related to molecular activity which is in turn dependant on the temperature of the liquid. With the increase in temperature molecular activity of a vapor increases slowly at first and then rapidly. Similar is the nature of variaion of vapor pressure.
3. Which of the following is the condition for the boiling of a liquid?
a) Absolute pressure of a liquid must be greater than or equal to it’s vapor pressure
b) Absolute pressure of a liquid must be less than or equal to it’s vapor pressure
c) Absolute pressure of a liquid must be equal to it’s vapor pressure
d) Absolute pressure of a liquid must be greater than it’s vapor pressure
Answer: b
Clarification: As the absolute pressure of a liquid goes below it’s vapor pressure, the formation of vapor bubbles start. Thus, for boiling to start, the absolute pressure of a liquid must be less than or equal to it’s vapor pressure.
4. Which of the following machines have the possibility of cavitation?
a) Reaction turbines and centrifugal pumps
b) Reaction turbines and reciprocating pumps
c) Impulse turbines and centrifugal pumps
d) Impulse turbines and reciprocating pumps
Answer: a
Clarification: Cavitation occurs whenever absolute pressure of a liquid drops below it’s vapor pressure. Dropping of pressure is observed mainly in reaction turbines and centrifugal pumps.
5. The three liquids 1, 2, and 3 with vapor pressures V1, V2 and V3 respectively, are kept under same pressure. If V1 > V2 > V3, which liquid will start boiling early?
a) liquid 1
b) liquid 2
c) liquid 3
d) they will start boiling at the same time
Answer: a
Clarification: A liquid starts to boil whenever it’s absolute pressure drops below it’s vapor pressure. Thus, the absolute pressure of liquid 1 will drop early, as a result it’ll start boiling early.
6. Equal amount of a particular liquid is poured into three similar containers, namely 1, 2 and 3, at a temperature of T1, T2 and T3 respectively. If T1 < T2 < T3, the liquid in which container will have the highest vapor pressure?
a) container 1
b) container 2
c) container 3
d) the vapor pressure of the liquid will remain the same irrespective of it’s temperature
Answer: c
Clarification: Higher the temperature, higher is the molecular activity and consequently, higher is the vapor pressure of a given liquid. Since, container 3 is at the highest temperature, liquid in it will have the highest vapor pressure.
7. The absolute pressure of a water is 0.5kN above it’s vapor pressure. If it flows with a velocity of 1m/s, what will be the value of Cavitation Number describing the flow induced boiling?
a) 0.25
b) 0.5
c) 1
d) 2
8. Which of the following is correct regarding the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid?
a) Vapor bubbles are formed when the fluid pressure goes above the vapor pressure and collapses when the fluid pressure goes above the bubble pressure
b) Vapor bubbles are formed when the fluid pressure goes above the vapor pressure and collapses when the fluid pressure goes below the bubble pressure
c) Vapor bubbles are formed when the fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure and collapses when the fluid pressure goes below the bubble pressure
d) Vapor bubbles are formed when the fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure and collapses when the fluid pressure goes above the bubble pressure
Answer: d
Clarification: Whenever the absolute pressure of a fluid drops below it’s vapor pressure, bubble formation starts. Again, when the fluid pressure goes above the bubble pressure, it’ll collapse. This is how cavitation formation takes place.