You are given vapor pressure data in the form of [T (°C). p (mm Hg)] pairs. Construct a spreadsheet or write a computer program to perform the following tasks:

(a) Read in T_t, p₁, T₂, p₂,..., T_N, p_N.

(b) Fit the Clausius—Clapeyron equation to the data using the method of least squares (Appendix A.1) or a fitting routine embedded in the spreadsheet. In completing this task you should find the values of a and b in the formula y = ax + b, where y = In p* and x = 1/(T + 273.2). Print out the values of a and b.

Test your program by fitting the data for ethylene glycol given in Problem 6.4. Then use your formula to estimate the vapor pressures of this substance at 50°C, 80°C, and 110°C, and the boiling points at 760 mm Hg and 2000 mm Hg. In which of the last two values would you have the least confidence? Explain your reasoning.