--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Explain the process of adsorption in solution.

The process of adsorption can occurs in solutions also. This implies that the solid surfaces can also adsorb solutes from solutions. Some clarifying examples are listed below:


(i) When an aqueous solution of ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is shaken with charcoal. The concentration of acid in the solution is found to decrease because a part of acid is adsorbed by charcoal.

(ii) Litmus solution become colourless when it is shaken with charcoal which indicates that the dye of litmus solution is adsorbed by charcoal.

(iii) Mg(OH)2 is colorless but when it is precipitated in the presence of magneton reagent (a bluish dye) the precipitate acquire blue colour due to adsorption of dye on their surface.

It has also been observed that if we have a solution containing more than one solutes, then the solid adsorbents can adsorb certain solutes in preference to other solutes and solvents. The property is made use of in removing colouring matters from solutions of organic substances. For example, raw sugar solution is decolourised by animal charcoal.

Factors affecting adsorption from solutions

Adsorption from solutions by the solid adsorbents depends on the following factors.

(i) Nature of adsorbent and adsorbate

(ii) Temperature: the extent of adsorption, in general, decreases with rise in the surface area of adsorbent.

(iii) Surface area: the extent adsorption increase with the increase in the surface area of adsorbent.

(iv) Concentration: the effect of concentration on the extent of adsorption isotherm similar to Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The relationship between mass of solute adsorbed per gram (x/m) is given by the following relations:
                                                 
x/m = kC1/n              (n > 1)

Taking logarithm, equation becomes
                                               
log x/m = log k + (1/n) log C

A graph between log x/m and log C is a straight line, similar to graph.

Experimental verification of equation can be done by taking equal volume of acetic acid solutions of different concentrations in four different bottles fitted with stoppers. The contents should be well mixed. The concentration of acetic acid is found in each bottle. This concentration refers to equilibrium concentration (c). The difference of original concentration and equilibrium concentration gives the value of amount of acetic acid adsorbed by charcoal (x). log (x/m) values of different plotted against C. 

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : Biodegradable polymers what are the

    what are the examples of biodegradable polymers

    		•
  • Q : Determining maximum Osmotic pressure

    Which of the following would have the maximum osmotic pressure (assume that all salts are 90% dissociated): (a) Decimolar aluminium sulphate (b) Decimolar barium chloride (c) Decimolar sodium sulphate (d) A solution obtained by mix

    		•
  • Q : Theory of one dimensional motion For

    For motion in one dimension, the distribution of the molecules over quantum states, speeds, and energies can be deduced.Here we show that the energy of a macroscopic gas sample can be described on the basis of our knowledge of the quantum states allowed to

    		•
  • Q : Vitamines 7 enzyme cofactor what is the

    what is the relationship between vitamins and enzyme cofactors

    		•
  • Q : Explain solid in liquid solutions. The

    The French chemist Francois Marie Raoult (1886) carried out a series of experiments to study the vapour pressure of a number of binary solutions. On the basis of the results of the experiments, he proposed a generalization called Raoult's law which states that, <

    		•
  • Q : What is chemisorption or chemical

    When the forces of attraction existing between adsorbate particles and adsorbent almost of the same strength as chemical bonds, the adsorption is called chemical adsorption. This type of adsorption is also known as chemisorptions. Since forces of attraction existing b

    		•
  • Q : BASIC CHARACTER OF AMINES IN GAS PHASE,

    IN GAS PHASE, BASICITIES OF THE AMINES IS JUST OPPOSITE TO BASICITY OF AMINES IN AQEUOUS PHASE .. EXPLAIN

    		•
  • Q : Dipole moment Elaborate a dipole moment

    Elaborate a dipole moment?

    		•
  • Q : Illustrate the Lewis Dot Structure

    Illustrate the Lewis Dot Structure for the CH4O.

    		•
  • Q : Describe Point Groups. For any

    For any symmetric object there is a set of symmetry operations that, together, constitute a mathematical group, called a point group.It is clear from the examples that most molecules have several elements of symmetry. The H2O

    		•