--%>
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 : Various cons of eating the organic foods

    Describe the various cons of eating the organic foods? Briefly illustrate it.

    		•
  • Q : Describe physical adsorption and its

    When the forces of attraction existing between adsorbate and adsorbent are van der Waal's forces, the adsorption is called physical adsorption. This type of adsorption is also known as physisorption or van der Waal's adsorption. Since the forces existing between adsorbent and adsorbate are very w

    		•
  • Q : What type of bond does HCl encompass

    What type of bond does HCl encompass? Describe briefly?

    		•
  • Q : Basic concept Give me answer of this

    Give me answer of this question. The volume of water to be added to 100cm3 of 0.5 N N H2SO4 to get decinormal concentration is : (a) 400 cm3 (b) 500cm3 (c) 450cm3 (d)100cm3

    		•
  • Q : Molecular energies and speeds The

    The average translational kinetic energies and speeds of the molecules of a gas can be calculated.The result that the kinetic energy of 1 mol of the molecules of a gas is equal to 3/2 RT can be used to obtain numerical values for the

    		•
  • Q : How to test a gas to see if it was

    Write a short note to describe how to test a gas to see if it was hydrogen or not?

    		•
  • Q : What are emulsions?Describe its

    Emulsions are colloidal solutions in which disperse phase as well as dispersion medium is both liquids. Emulsions can be broadly classified into two types: (i) Oil in water (O/W type) emulsions: in this type of emulsions, oil acts disperse phase and water acts

    		•
  • Q : Polyhalogen compounds introduction for

    introduction for polyhalogen compound

    		•
  • Q : Means of molality Give me answer of

    Give me answer of this question. The number of moles of solute per kg of a solvent is called its: (a) Molarity (b) Normality (c) Molar fraction (d) Molality

    		•
  • Q : Molar mass Select the right answer of

    Select the right answer of the question. Which is heaviest: (a)25 gm of mercury (b)2 moles of water (c)2 moles of carbon dioxide (d)4 gm atoms of oxygen

    		•