--%>
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 : Means of molal solution Choose the

    Choose the right answer from following. A molal solution is one that contains one mole of a solute in: (a) 1000 gm of the solvent (b) One litre of the solvent (c) One litre of the solution (d) 22.4 litres of the solution

    		•
  • Q : Solution problem What is the correct

    What is the correct answer. To made a solution of concentration of 0.03 g/ml of AgNO3, what quantity of AgNO3 must be added in 60 ml of solution: (a) 1.8  (b) 0.8  (c) 0.18  (d) None of these

    		•
  • Q : Problem on thermodynamic equilibrium In

    In the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process, S02 is oxidized to SO3 over a vanadium catalyst: The reactor is adiabatic and operates at atmospheric pressure. The gases enter the reactor at 410&d

    		•
  • 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

    		•
  • Q : Dipole attractions-London dispersion

    Describe how dipole attractions, London dispersion forces and the hydrogen bonding identical?

    		•
  • Q : Problem on bubble point The following

    The following mixture of hydrocarbons is obtained as one stream in a petroleum refinery.

    Q : Molar solution of sulphuric acid Choose

    Choose the right answer from following. The molar solution of sulphuric acid is equal to: (a) N solution (b) 2Nsolution (c) N/2solution (d) 3Nsolution

    		•
  • Q : The Liver Is Responsible For Much Of

    The Liver Is Responsible For Much Of The Pentose Phosphate Activity Explain

    		•
  • Q : Problem on equilibrium composition The

    The catalytic dehydrogenation of 1-butene to 1,3-butadiene, C4H8(g) = C4H6(g)+H2(g) is carried out at 900 K and 1 atm.

    Q : Entropy on molecular basis. The

    The equation S = k in W relates entropy to W, a measure of the number of different molecular level arrangements of the system.In the preceding developments it was unnecessary to attempt to reach any "explana

    		•