--%>

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 : Direction of dipole moment expected

    Illustrate the direction of the dipole moment expected for hydrogen bromide?

  • Q : Question based on lowest vapour pressure

    Give me answer of this question. Among the following substances the lowest vapour pressure is exerted by: (a) Water (b) Mercury (c) Kerosene (d) Rectified spirit

  • Q : Molar mass Select the right answer of

    Select the right answer of the question. Which is heaviest: (a)25 gm of mercury (b)2 moles of water (c)2 moles of carbon dioxide (d)4 gm atoms of oxygen

  • Q : Mole fraction of water Give me answer

    Give me answer of this question. A solution contains 25%H2O 25%C2H5OH , and 50% CH3 COOH by mass. The mole fraction of H2O would be: (a) 0.25 (b) 2.5 (c) 0.503 (d) 5.03.

  • Q : Importance of organic chemistry

    Describe the importance of organic chemistry?

  • 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 : Neutralisation of phosphorous acids

    Provide solution of this question. To neutralise completely 20 mL of 0.1 M aqueous solution of phosphorous acid (H3 PO3) the volume of 0.1 M aqueous KOH solution required is: (a) 40 mL (b) 20 mL (c) 10 mL (d) 60 mL

  • Q : Precipitation problem On passing H 2 S 

    On passing H2S  gas through a solution of Cu+ and Zn+2 ions, CuS is precipitated first because: (i) Solubility product of CuS is equal to the ionic product of ZnS (ii) Solubility product of CuS is equal to the solubility product o

  • Q : Effect of addition of mercuric iodide

    Give 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 : C-X bond length in halobenzene less

    C-X bond length in halobenzene less then C-X bond lengthin CH3-x