Which of the following statements about the composition of the vapour over an ideal molar mixture of benzene and toluene is correct? Assume that the temperature is constant at . (Given, vapour pressure data at , benzene = , toluene = )
The vapour will contain a higher percentage of toluene
The vapour will contain equal amounts of benzene and toluene
Not enough information is given to make a prediction
The vapour will contain a higher percentage of benzene
According to Raoult's law, the partial vapour pressure of a component in a solution is given by . For a molar mixture, the mole fractions of benzene and toluene in the liquid phase are equal (). Partial pressure of benzene, . Partial pressure of toluene, . Since the partial pressure of benzene is greater than that of toluene in the vapour phase (), its mole fraction in the vapour phase () will also be higher. As a general rule, at equilibrium, the vapour phase is always richer in the component which is more volatile (i.e., has a higher vapour pressure in its pure state). Thus, the vapour will contain a higher percentage of benzene.
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