Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Measuring the Densities of Aqueous Glasses at Cryogenic Temperatures
Published on: June 28, 2017
Refractive Indices and Densities of H2O and CO(2) Films Condensed on Cryogenic Surfaces
Abstract:
Using an interference technique, the refractive index of both H(2)O and CO(2) films was determined at visible and near ir wavelengths as the gases were being condensed on a liquid nitrogen cooled surface. For these same films, the density was also measured. The results for the refractive index at a wavelength of 0.589 microm was 1.26 +/- 0.01 for H(2)O films and 1.43 +/- 0.01 for CO(2) films. The density of the H(2)O films was 0.81 +/- 0.02 g/cm(3), and for CO(2) films it was 1.67 +/- 0.03 g/cm(3).
Related Concept Videos
Phase Diagrams
Physical Properties Affecting Solubility
As for any solution, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is affected by the attractive intermolecular forces between solute and solvent species. Unlike solid and liquid solutes, however, there is no solute-solute intermolecular attraction to overcome when a gaseous solute dissolves in a liquid solvent since the atoms or molecules comprising a gas are far separated and experience negligible interactions. Consequently, solute-solvent interactions are the sole...
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Molecular Comparison of Gases, Liquids, and Solids
