Problem 2.4: The chapter says refrigerants are quitters by

From Chapter 2 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.

Question

The chapter says “refrigerants are quitters by design.” What does this mean in terms of intermolecular forces and phase change, and how does it contrast with water?

Answer

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Refrigerants are selected because their intermolecular attractions and vapor-pressure behavior allow them to boil and condense with modest pressure and temperature changes. Water’s hydrogen-bond network resists separation, requiring ~970 BTU/lb to vaporize. Refrigerants “quit” easily; water resists until an enormous energy toll is paid.