Ethyl Acetate Density: A Comprehensive Guide for Physics Students

The density of ethyl acetate, a common organic solvent, is approximately 902 kg/m³. This value is a measure of the mass of ethyl acetate per unit volume and is an important physical property that is used to calculate other properties such as viscosity, vapor pressure, and heat capacity. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of ethyl acetate density, providing physics students with a thorough understanding of this crucial parameter.

Understanding Ethyl Acetate Density

Ethyl acetate, with the chemical formula CH3COOC2H5, is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid. Its density is a crucial physical property that is widely used in various applications, from chemical processing to environmental studies. The density of ethyl acetate is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities.

Density Measurement Techniques

The density of ethyl acetate can be measured using several techniques, including:

1. Pycnometry: This method involves the use of a calibrated glass vessel, known as a pycnometer, to determine the volume of a known mass of ethyl acetate. The density is then calculated by dividing the mass by the volume.

2. Hydrostatic Weighing: In this technique, the ethyl acetate sample is weighed in air and then weighed while submerged in a liquid with a known density, typically water. The density of the ethyl acetate can be calculated using the principle of buoyancy.

3. Oscillating U-tube Method: This method utilizes an oscillating U-shaped glass tube filled with the ethyl acetate sample. The natural frequency of oscillation is related to the density of the liquid, which can be determined using calibration data.

4. Density Meters: Electronic density meters, such as those based on the vibrating tube principle, can provide accurate and rapid measurements of ethyl acetate density.

Factors Affecting Ethyl Acetate Density

The density of ethyl acetate can be influenced by several factors, including:

1. Temperature: The density of ethyl acetate decreases as the temperature increases, due to the thermal expansion of the liquid. The NIST WebBook reports the density of ethyl acetate at 20°C as 901.0 kg/m³.

2. Pressure: The density of ethyl acetate increases slightly with increasing pressure, as the volume of the liquid decreases.

3. Impurities: The presence of impurities, such as water or other organic compounds, can affect the density of ethyl acetate. It is essential to use high-purity ethyl acetate for accurate density measurements.

4. Solvent Mixtures: When ethyl acetate is mixed with other solvents, the density of the resulting mixture can be different from the pure ethyl acetate. The density of the mixture depends on the composition and the specific interactions between the components.

Applications of Ethyl Acetate Density

The density of ethyl acetate is an important parameter in various applications, including:

1. Chemical Processing: The density of ethyl acetate is used in the design and optimization of chemical processes, such as distillation, extraction, and adsorption.

2. Environmental Studies: The density of ethyl acetate is used in the calculation of the partition coefficient, which is a measure of the distribution of a solute between two immiscible phases. This is important in understanding the behavior of ethyl acetate in the environment.

3. Fluid Mechanics: The density of ethyl acetate is used in the calculation of the viscosity, which is a measure of the resistance of the liquid to flow. This property is crucial in the design of pumps, pipelines, and other fluid-handling systems.

4. Thermodynamic Calculations: The density of ethyl acetate is used in the calculation of other thermodynamic properties, such as the heat capacity, heat of vaporization, and critical constants, which are essential for understanding the behavior of ethyl acetate under different conditions.

Ethyl Acetate Density Data and Numerical Examples

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of ethyl acetate density, let’s consider some specific data points and numerical examples:

Density of Ethyl Acetate at Different Temperatures

Temperature (°C)	Density (kg/m³)
0	915.1
10	908.2
20	901.0
30	893.7
40	886.3

Density of Ethyl Acetate-Palm Oil Mixture

A study on the density of ethyl acetate-palm oil mixtures in supercritical conditions reported the following data:

Ethyl Acetate Concentration (wt%)	Density (kg/m³)
10	912.4
20	924.1
30	935.8
40	947.5
50	959.2

These data points demonstrate the influence of temperature and solvent composition on the density of ethyl acetate-based mixtures.

Numerical Example: Calculating Viscosity from Density

The viscosity of a fluid is related to its density through the following equation:

η = k * ρ

where:
– η is the dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
– k is a constant that depends on the fluid
– ρ is the density of the fluid (kg/m³)

Suppose the value of the constant k for ethyl acetate is 0.000725 Pa·s·m³/kg. If the density of ethyl acetate at 20°C is 901.0 kg/m³, the dynamic viscosity can be calculated as:

η = 0.000725 Pa·s·m³/kg * 901.0 kg/m³
η = 0.653 Pa·s

This example illustrates how the density of ethyl acetate can be used to determine its viscosity, which is an important property in various applications.

Conclusion

The density of ethyl acetate is a crucial physical property that is widely used in various applications, from chemical processing to environmental studies. In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the measurement techniques, factors affecting ethyl acetate density, and the applications of this important parameter. By understanding the details of ethyl acetate density, physics students can better appreciate the role of this property in various scientific and engineering contexts.

References:

1. Ethyl acetate / Density: 902 kg/m³. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://info.yara.com/CH_EN/products/ethyl-acetate-density-902-kg-m3
2. Ethyl Acetate – Safety Data Sheet. (2015-03-23). Retrieved from https://beta-static.fishersci.com/content/dam/fishersci/en_US/documents/programs/education/regulatory-documents/sds/chemicals/chemicals-e/S25305.pdf
3. Ethyl Acetate | CH3COOC2H5 or C4H8O2 | CID 8857 – PubChem. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ethyl-Acetate
4. Ethyl Acetate – the NIST WebBook. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C141786&Mask=4
5. Density Determination of Ethyl Acetate-Palm Oil Mixture in Supercritical Condition. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281387790_Density_Determination_of_Ethyl_Acetate-Palm_Oil_Mixture_in_Supercritical_Condition
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