Return to Blog Homepage

MCAT Chemistry Question — Phase Change

  • by John
  • Jan 27, 2017
  • MCAT Question of the Day

Which phase change has the same magnitude of energy to the heat of vaporization for water?

A. sublimation

B. freezing

C. condensation

D. deposition

Click for Explanation
Phase changes require the same energy input or give off the same energy depending on the direction of phase change. Freezing and melting are paired, and the enthalpy change is called the heat of fusion. Evaporation and condensation are paired, and the enthalpy change is the heat of vaporization. Deposition and sublimation are paired, representing solid to gas change and there is no specific term for the enthalpy change. “Heat of sublimation” describes the enthalpy change.

A. sublimation, incorrect, sublimation refers to a phase change from solid to gas while vaporization refers to a phase change from liquid to gas.

B. freezing, incorrect, freezing refers to a phase change from liquid to solid.

C. condensation, correct, heat of vaporization and condensation both refer to a phase change from gas to liquid and are equal in magnitude and opposite in sense.

D. deposition, incorrect, deposition refers to a phase change from gas to solid. A deposition is also a term for legal testimony.

Want more MCAT practice?

We’ve got options for every schedule and learning style!

From the best online MCAT course created by top instructors with 524+ MCAT scores to the most representative full-length practice exams and private tutoring, we can custom tailor your MCAT prep to your goals!

Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free MCAT consultation with an MCAT expert using the form below. No obligation, just expert advice.

Schedule My Free Consultation!

Related Post

Submit a Comment

Search the Blog

Free Consultation

Interested in our Online MCAT Course or one of our One-on-One MCAT Tutoring packages? Set up a free consultation with one of our experienced Academic Managers!

Schedule Now

Popular Posts

Free MCAT Practice Account

Need great MCAT practice?

Get the most representative MCAT practice possible when you sign up for our free MCAT Account, which includes a half-length diagnostic exam and one of our full-length MCAT practice exams.

Learn More

Sign-up for our newsletter!