--%>

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 : 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 : 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 : Problem on volumetric flow rate Methane

    Methane containing 4 mol% N2 is flowing through a pipeline at 105.1 kpa and 22 °C. To check this flow rate, N2 at the same temperature and pressure are introduced to the pipeline at the rate of 2.83 m3/min. At the end of the pipe (

  • Q : Mole fraction of benzene Choose the

    Choose the right answer from following. In a solution of 8.7g benzene C6H6 and 46.0 gm toluene ,(C6, H5, CH3) the mole fraction of benzene in this solution is: (a)1/6 (b)1/5 (c)1/2 (d)1/3

  • Q : Molar mass what is the equation for

    what is the equation for calculating molar mass of non volatile solute

  • Q : Lowering of vapour pressure Help me to

    Help me to go through this problem. Lowering of vapour pressure is highest for: (a) urea (b) 0.1 M glucose (c) 0.1M MgSo4 (d) 0.1M BaCl2

  • Q : Molecular mass from Raoults law Provide

    Provide solution of this question. Determination of correct molecular mass from Raoult's law is applicable to: (a) An electrolyte in solution (b) A non-electrolyte in a dilute solution (c) A non-electrolyte in a concentrated solution (d) An electrolyte in a liquid so

  • Q : Question based on vapour pressure and

    Benzene and toluene form nearly ideal solutions. At 20°C, the vapour pressure of benzene is 75 torr and that of toluene is 22 torr. The parial vapour pressure of benzene at 20°C for a solution containing 78g of benzene and 46g of toluene in torr is: (a) 50 (b)

  • 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 : Effect on vapour pressure of dissolving

    Give me answer of this question. When a substance is dissolved in a solvent the vapour pressure of the solvent is decreased. This results in: (a) An increase in the b.p. of the solution (b) A decrease in the b.p. of the solvent (c) The solution having a higher fr