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States of MatterMCQ

A piece of solid CO2 initially at –78 °C is placed in a small plastic container, which is then sealeStates of Matter Chemistry Question

Question

A piece of solid CO2 initially at –78 °C is placed in a small plastic container, which is then sealed and allowed to warm up in a room whose temperature is 22 °C. Ultimately the plastic container explodes, ending any further observations. Which statement best describes the possibility of observing liquid CO2 before the container explodes? (The phase diagram of CO2 is shown below.)

A.

Liquid CO2 must be observable, since the explosion is driven by hydrostatic pressure of liquid CO2.

B.

Liquid CO2 may be observed, since the triple point may be reached during this experiment.

✓ Correct
C.

Liquid CO2 may not be observed, since only sublimation of solid CO2 is possible under the conditions of the experiment.

D.

Liquid CO2 may not be observed, but supercritical CO2 may be observed.

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