--%>
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 : Anti-aromatic and the non-aromatic

    What is main difference among anti-aromatic and the non-aromatic compounds?

    		•
  • Q : HCl is an acid or a base Illustrate is

    Illustrate is HCl an acid or a base ?

    		•
  • 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 : Nuclear Magnetic Resonance The nuclear

    The nuclear states produced by a magnetic field are studied in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.The frequency of the radiation that corresponds to the nuclear magnetic energy level spacings and the weakness of the radiation absorption that must be e

    		•
  • Q : Number of electrons in the benzene

    Describe the number of electrons in the benzene? Write a short note on it?

    		•
  • Q : Calculating number of moles from

    Choose the right answer from following. If 0.50 mol of CaCl2 is mixed with 0.20 mol of Na3PO4, the maximum number of moles of Ca3 (PO2)2 which can be formed: (a) 0.70 (b) 0.50 (c) 0.20 (d) 0.10

    		•
  • Q : Molar and Volumetric flow rate problem

    Cyclohexane (C6H12) is produced by mixing Benzene and hydrogen. A process including a reactor, separator, and recycle stream is used to produce Cyclohexane. The fresh feed contains 260L/min C6H6 with 950 L/min of H2

    		•
  • Q : Difference in Mendeleevs table and

    Briefly describe the difference in the Mendeleev’s table and modern periodic table?

    		•
  • Q : Thermodynamics 1 Lab Report I already

    I already did Materials and Methods section. I uploaded it with the instructions. Also, make sure to see Concept Questions and Thinking Ahead in the instructions that I uploaded. deadline is tomorow at 8 am here is the link to download all instructions because I couldn't attach all of t

    		•
  • Q : How to establish nomenclature for

    In the common chemistry terminologies, aliphatic halogen derivatives are named as alkyl halides. The words, n-, sec-, tert-, iso-, neo-, and amyl are

    		•