--%>

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 : Haloalkanes define primary secondary

    define primary secondary and tertiary alkyl halides with examples

  • Q : How to calculate solutions molar

    The contribution of an electrolyte, or an ion electrolyte, is reported as the molar of a conductance. The definition of the molar conductance is based on the following conductivity cell in which the electrodes are 1 m apart and of sufficient area that th

  • Q : Maximum vapour pressure Provide

    Provide solution of this question. Which solution will show the maximum vapour pressure at 300 K: (a)1MC12H22O11 (b)1M CH3 COOH (c) 1MNacl2 (d)1MNACl

  • Q : Statement of Henry law Determine the

    Determine the correct regarding Henry’s law: (1) The gas is in contact with the liquid must behave as an ideal gas (2) There must not be any chemical interaction among the gas and liquid (3) The pressure applied must be high (4) All of these.

  • Q : Moles of HCl present in .70 L of a .33

    Detail the moles of HCl which are present in .70 L of a .33 M HCl solution?

  • Q : What is heat capacity and how to

    The temperature reliance of internal energy and enthalpy depends on the heat capacities at constant volume and constant pressure. The internal energy and enthalpy of chemical systems and the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions depend on the

  • Q : Number of moles of potassium chloride

    Choose the right answer from following. The number of moles of KCL in 1000ml of 3 molar solution is: (a)1 (b)2 (c)3 (d)1.5

  • Q : How alkyl group reactions takes place?

    Halogenations: ethers react with chlorine and bromine to give substitution products. The extent of halogenations depends upon the conditions of reacti

  • Q : Various cons of eating the organic foods

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

  • Q : Problem on making solutions The weight

    The weight of pure NaOH needed to made 250cm3 of 0.1 N solution is: (a) 4g  (b) 1g  (c) 2g  (d) 10g Choose the right answer from above.