--%>
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 : Relative lowering of vapour pressure

    explain the process of relative lowering of vapour pressure

    		•
  • Q : Mole fraction of urea Choose the right

    Choose the right answer from following. When 6gm urea dissolve in180gm H2O . The mole fraction of urea is : (a)10/ 10.1 (b)10.1/10 (c)10.1/ 0.1 (d) 0.1/ 10.1

    		•
  • Q : Decision about dipole moment is present

    How can you decide if there is a dipole moment or not?

    		•
  • Q : Explain Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The

    The energies of both the outer and inner orbitals of atoms and molecules can be determined by photoelectron spectroscopy.Energy changes of the outermost or highest energy electron of molecules were dealt with here in a different passion. The energies of ot

    		•
  • Q : Cations Chromium(III) hydroxide is

    Chromium(III) hydroxide is highly insoluble in distilled water but dissolves readily in either acidic or basic solution. Briefly explain why the compound can dissolve in acidic or in basic but not in neutral solution. Write appropriate equations to support your answer

    		•
  • Q : Mole fraction of solute The mole

    The mole fraction of the solute in 1 molal aqueous solution is: (a) 0.027 (b) 0.036 (c) 0.018 (d) 0.009What is the correct answer.

    		•
  • Q : What are ion selective electrodes? Ion

    Ion Selective Electrodes An ion selective membrane can be used to form an electrochemical cell whose emf depends on the concentration of that ion. Before we proceed to an important application of emf measurements, brie

    		•
  • Q : Problem on colligative properties

    Choose the right answer from following. The magnitude of colligative properties in all colloidal dispersions is : (a) Lowerthan solution (b)Higher than solution(c) Both (d) None

    		•
  • Q : Unit of molality Select the right

    Select the right answer of the question. The unit of molality is: (a) Mole per litre (b) Mole per kilogram (c) Per mole per litre (d) Mole litre

    		•
  • Q : Anti-aromatic and the non-aromatic

    What is main difference among anti-aromatic and the non-aromatic compounds?

    		•