--%>
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 : Amines why o-toluidine is a weaker base

    why o-toluidine is a weaker base than aniline?

    		•
  • 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 : Moles of chloride ion Select the right

    Select the right answer of the question. A solution of CaCl2 is 0.5 mol litre , then the moles of chloride ion in 500ml will be : (a) 0.25 (b) 0.50 (c) 0.75 (d)1.00

    		•
  • Q : Structure of a DNA molecule Elaborate

    Elaborate the structure of a DNA molecule?

    		•
  • Q : Problem on Osmotic Pressure of solution

    The osmotic pressure of a 5% solution of cane sugar at 150oC  is (mol. wt. of cane sugar = 342)(a) 4 atm (b) 3.4 atm (c) 5.07 atm (d) 2.45 atmAnswer: (c) Π = (5 x 0.0821 x 1000 x 423)/(342 x 100) = 5.07 atm

    		•
  • Q : M ive me answer of this question. When

    ive me answer of this question. When mercuric iodide is added to the aqueous solution of potassium iodide, the: (a) Freezing point is raised (b) Freezing point is lowered (c) Freezing point does not change (d) Boiling point does not change

    		•
  • 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 : Problem on Adiabatic expansion

    Calculate the change in entropy for the system for each of the following cases. Explain the sign that you obtain by a physical argument a) A gas undergoes a reversible, adiabatic expansion from an initial state at 500 K, 1 MPa, and

    		•
  • Q : How haloalkanes are prepared from

    Alkyl halides can be prepared from alkanes through substitution and from alkenes through addition of halogen acids or through allylic substitution.    From alkanesWhen alkanes are treated with halogens, chlo

    		•
  • 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

    		•