--%>

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 : How to test a gas to see if it was

    Write a short note to describe how to test a gas to see if it was hydrogen or not?

  • Q : Molarity of the final mixture Can

    Can someone please help me in getting through this problem. Two solutions of a substance (that is, non electrolyte) are mixed in the given manner 480 ml of 1.5M first solution + 520 ml of 1.2M second solution. Determine the molarity of the final mixture

  • Q : Molarity of acid solution If 20ml of

    If 20ml of 0.4N, NaoH solution completely neutralises 40ml of a dibasic acid. The molarity of the acid solution is: (a) 0.1M (b) 0.2M  (c) 0.3M (d) 0.4M Choose the right answer fron above.

  • Q : Law of vapour pressure Select the right

    Select the right answer of the question. "The relative lowering of the vapour pressure is equal to the mole fraction of the solute." This law is called: (a) Henry's law (b) Raoult's law (c) Ostwald's law (d) Arrhenius's law

  • Q : Determining concentration in ppm A 500

    A 500 gm tooth paste sample has 0.2g fluoride concentration. Determine the concentration of F in terms of ppm level: (a) 250 (b) 200 (c) 400 (d) 1000Answer: (c) F-ions in ppm = (0.2/500) x 106 = 400

  • Q : Mole fraction Give me answer of

    Give me answer of following question. The sum of the mole fraction of the components of a solution is : (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 4.

  • Q : Quastion of finding vapour pressure

    Vapour pressure of CCl425Degree C at is 143mm of Hg0.5gm of a non-volatile solute (mol. wt. = 65) is dissolved in 100ml CCl4 .Find the vapour pressure of the solution (Density of CCl4 = = 1.58g /cm2): (a)141.43mm (b)

  • Q : What is Ideal Mixtures Ideal mixing

    Ideal mixing properties can be recognized in the formation of an ideal gas mixture from ideal gases. Consider the formation of a mixture of gases i.e. a gaseous solution, from two mixtures of pure gases. A useful characterization of an ideal mixture, or soluti

  • Q : Degree of dissociation The degree of

    The degree of dissociation of Ca(No3)2 in a dilute aqueous solution containing 14g of the salt per 200g of water 100oc is 70 percent. If the vapor pressure of water at 100oc is 760 cm. Calculate the vapor pr

  • Q : Cations Chromium(III) hydroxide is

    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