Question

Why does evaporation cause water vapor to be enriched in light isotopes in comparison to liquid water? а. light isotopes move faster than heavy isotopes and thus are more readily condensed b. heavy isotopes move faster than light isotopes and thus are more readily condensed С. light isotopes move slower than heavy isotopes and thus are more readily evaporated d. light isotopes move faster than heavy isotopes and thus are more readily evaporated

Answer 1

The correct option is: d. light isotopes move faster than heavy isotopes and thus are more readily evaporated

Step-by-step explanation:

Evaporation is the process by which water present in liquid state changes into water vapor.

Since, oxygen has two isotopes: ¹⁶O (light isotope) and ¹⁸O (heavy isotope). Therefore, water molecule that consists of ¹⁶O is known as light water (H₂¹⁶O). Whereas, water molecule that consists of ¹⁸O is known as heavy water(H₂¹⁸O).

Since evaporation of heavier water molecules (H₂¹⁸O) is difficult than evaporation of light water molecules (H₂¹⁶O).

Therefore, the water vapor formed by evaporation is rich in light water (H₂¹⁶O).