--%>

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 : Basicity order order of decreasing

    order of decreasing basicity of urea and its substituents

  • 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 : Preparation of ammonium sulphate Select

    Select the right answer of the question. Essential quantity of ammonium sulphate taken for preparation of 1 molar solution in 2 litres is: (a)132gm (b)264gm (c) 198gm (d) 212gm

  • Q : Dipole moment of chlorooctane

    Illustrate the dipole moment of chlorooctane?

  • Q : Direction of dipole moment expected

    Illustrate the direction of the dipole moment expected for hydrogen bromide?

  • Q : Explain equilibrium and molecular

    The equilibrium constant can be treated as a particular type of molecular distribution. Consider the simplest gas-phase reaction, one in which molecules of A are converted to molecules of B. the reaction, described by the equation

    Q : Concentration of urea Help me to go

    Help me to go through this problem. 6.02x 1020 molecules of urea are present in 100 ml of its solution. The concentration of urea solution is: (a) 0.02 M (b) 0.01 M (c) 0.001 M (d) 0.1 M (Avogadro constant, N4= 6.02x 1023mol -1)<

  • Q : Mole fraction of water Give me answer

    Give me answer of this question. A solution contains 25%H2O 25%C2H5OH , and 50% CH3 COOH by mass. The mole fraction of H2O would be: (a) 0.25 (b) 2.5 (c) 0.503 (d) 5.03.

  • Q : Explain Ionic Bond with examples. The

    The bonding in ionic molecules can be described with a coulombic attractive term.For some diatomic molecules we take quite a different approach from that used in preceding sections to describe the bonding. Ionic bonds are interpreted in terms of the coulom

  • Q : Finding Active mass of urea Can someone

    Can someone please help me in getting through this problem. 10 litre solution of urea comprises of 240 gm urea. The active mass of urea is: (i) 0.04 (ii) 0.02 (iii) 0.4 (iv) 0.2