How do zeotropes differ from azeotropes in handling?

How do zeotropes differ from azeotropes in handling?

• A. Zeotropes may leave as a liquid or vapor while azeotropes must leave as a liquid
• B. Zeotropes must leave the cylinder as a liquid but azeotropes may leave as either a liquid or a vapor
• C. Both can only leave as a vapor
• D. Azeotropes require special handling while zeotropes do not

Answer: (B)

The distinction between zeotropes and azeotropes in terms of their handling is primarily based on how these mixtures behave during phase changes. Zeotropes are mixtures that have different boiling points for their components, resulting in varying vapor-liquid compositions as they change phase. When a zeotropic mixture is heated, it can evaporate partially or completely, allowing it to leave as either a vapor or a liquid depending on the conditions in the system. In contrast, azeotropes do not exhibit this behavior; they have a constant boiling point and maintain a consistent composition in both liquid and vapor phases. This means an azeotropic mixture will leave the system in the same proportion of components without changing, meaning they must leave as a liquid when they condense. Thus, understanding the way these mixtures behave during phase changes explains why zeotropes can exit as either a liquid or vapor, while azeotropes must maintain their specific characteristics and leave as liquid. This fundamental property impacts how these substances are stored and handled in HVAC systems, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their differences.

The distinction between zeotropes and azeotropes in terms of their handling is primarily based on how these mixtures behave during phase changes. Zeotropes are mixtures that have different boiling points for their components, resulting in varying vapor-liquid compositions as they change phase. When a zeotropic mixture is heated, it can evaporate partially or completely, allowing it to leave as either a vapor or a liquid depending on the conditions in the system.

In contrast, azeotropes do not exhibit this behavior; they have a constant boiling point and maintain a consistent composition in both liquid and vapor phases. This means an azeotropic mixture will leave the system in the same proportion of components without changing, meaning they must leave as a liquid when they condense.

Thus, understanding the way these mixtures behave during phase changes explains why zeotropes can exit as either a liquid or vapor, while azeotropes must maintain their specific characteristics and leave as liquid. This fundamental property impacts how these substances are stored and handled in HVAC systems, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their differences.