--%>
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 : Infrared Adsorption The adsorption of

    The adsorption of infrared radiation by diatomic molecules increases the vibrational energy fo molecules and gives information about the force constant for the "spring" of the molecule.;The molecular motion that has the next larger energy level spacing aft

    		•
  • 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 : What is depression in freezing point?

    Freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which solid and liquid phases of the substance coexist. It is defined as the temperature at which its solid and liquid phases have the same vapour pressure. The freezing point o

    		•
  • Q : Diffusion Molecular View When the

    When the diffusion process is treated as the movement of particles through a solvent the diffusion coefficient can be related to the effective size of diffusing particles and the viscosity of the medium.To see how the experimental coefficients can be treat

    		•
  • Q : Help 1) Chromium(III) hydroxide is

    1) 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. 2) Explain how dissolving t

    		•
  • Q : Decision about dipole moment is present

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

    		•
  • Q : Coordination number of a cation The

    The coordination number of a cation engaging a tetrahedral hole is: (a) 6  (b) 8  (c) 12  (d) 4 Answer: (d) The co-ordination number of a cation occupying a tetrahedral hole is 4.

    		•
  • Q : Meaning of Molar solution Molar

    Molar solution signifies 1 mole of solute present/existed in: (i) 1000g of solvent (ii) 1 litre of solvent (iii) 1 litre of solution (iv) 1000g of solution

    		•
  • Q : Number of mlecules in methane Can

    Can someone please help me in getting through this problem. The total number of molecules in 16 gm of methane will be: (i) 3.1 x 1023 (ii) 6.02 x 1023 (iii) 16/6.02 x 1023 (iv) 16/3.0 x 1023

    		•
  • Q : Molality of Sulfuric acid Choose the

    Choose the right answer from following. The molality of 90% H2SO4 solution is: [density=1.8 gm/ml]  (a)1.8 (b) 48.4 (c) 9.18 (d) 94.6

    		•