Final answer:
The ideal property of isobutane for use in a heat exchanger is its low boiling point, which enables efficient phase changes and heat transfer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The property of isobutane that makes it ideal to use in a heat exchanger is c. its low boiling point. Isobutane is chosen for this property because substances with lower boiling points easily change from a liquid to a gas (vaporize) and back again (condense), facilitating the efficient transfer of heat. This behavior is crucial in heat exchangers, which are designed to transfer heat between two fluids. The low boiling point allows isobutane to absorb heat when it evaporates at lower temperatures and release heat when it condenses, making the heat exchange process more effective. To understand this better, consider water: it has unusually high melting and boiling points for its molecular size due to strong intermolecular forces. However, substances like isobutane with weaker intermolecular forces have a lower boiling point, enabling them to change phases at lower temperatures which is desirable in a heat exchanger system. Boiling point is a physical property of matter, indicated by the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas. This property is significant in heat exchanger applications where phase changes, driven by temperature differences between two exchanging fluids, facilitate the transfer of heat energy.