Learning Activities 5.1 – 5.3: Equilibrium Vapor Pressure of Water

This 7-page learning activity is from the Introduction to Vacuum Technology Student and Instructor Laboratory Manuals that accompany the Introduction to Vacuum Technology E-Book published by Erie Community College. The activity has students measure the equilibrium vapor pressure of different temperatures of water by boiling water in the chamber of a Rough Vacuum Equipment Trainer (RVET).

A summary of learning activities, learning objectives, a suggested pre-lab assignment, theoretical background, the activity procedure, and more are included. Student learning outcomes include:

1. Collect data to qualitatively assess water’s changing equilibrium vapor pressure changes in the temperature of the liquid water.
2. Recognize that once the pressure at which the boiling point of water occurs, achieving lower pressures in the vacuum system corresponds to the decreasing temperature state of the water
3. Report calculated values with appropriate significant figures.

The E-book, laboratory manuals, other learning activities, and related videos are available to view separately.