in a vacuum the coloured particles of potassium manganate(vii)would move very quickly in water. why would it move slow at room temperature?
because of the temperature of the water
The movement of particles, like potassium manganate(VII), in a liquid like water is influenced by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and concentration.
In a vacuum, particles are not influenced by any external factors like pressure since there's no air resistance. The absence of air molecules allows the particles to move more freely, resulting in rapid movement.
However, at room temperature, the particles in water experience two main factors that slow down their movement:
1. Viscosity: Water has a certain level of viscosity, which refers to its resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity, the more difficult it is for particles to move through it. Water has relatively higher viscosity compared to a vacuum, so the particles will encounter resistance, causing their movement to slow down.
2. Intermolecular Forces: In water, particles like potassium manganate(VII) experience intermolecular forces (forces between individual water molecules) such as hydrogen bonding. These forces act as a sort of "stickiness" that impedes the movement of the particles, effectively slowing them down.
To summarize, the slower movement of colored particles like potassium manganate(VII) in water at room temperature compared to a vacuum is due to the higher viscosity of water and the presence of intermolecular forces that create resistance and hinder the free movement of the particles.