Chapter 10, Problem 113A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the given density of table sugar and carbon dioxide is correct or not needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The atomic arrangements of solids, liquids, and gases are such that the atoms of solids are tightly packed as compared to liquids, and atoms of gases are very loosely packed.

Explanation of Solution

Table sugar is an example of solid matter and carbon dioxide is a gas. The atomic structures of solid, liquid, and gas are represented as follows:

  

From the above diagram, it can be seen that atoms of solids are closely packed and that of gases are very loosely packed. Due to loosely packed gases, the volume of gaseous matter is large as compared to solids. Since density is inversely proportional to volume, the density of gaseous matter is always lower than that of a solid.

Here, carbon dioxide is a gaseous matter thus, its density must be less than that of table sugar which is a solid matter.

According to the question, the density of table sugar is 1.59 and that of carbon dioxide is 1.83. Since the density of gas cannot be more than solid, these values are not correct.