Question

What are the factors which influence the adsorption of a gas on a solid?

Answer 1

Factors that influence the adsorption of a gas on a solid is as follows:

1. Nature of the gas: Easily liquefiable gases such as NH₃, HCl, etc are adsorbed to a great extent in comparison to gases such as H₂, O_2, etc. This is because van der Waal’s forces are stronger is easily liquefiable gases.

2. Surface area of the solid: The greater the surface area of the adsorbent, the greater is the adsorption of a gas on the solid surface.

3. Effect of pressure: Adsorption is a reversible process and is accompanied by a decrease in pressure. Therefore, adsorption increases with an increase in pressure.

4. Effect of temperature: Adsorption is an exothermic process. Thus in accordance with Le-Chatelier’s principle, the magnitude of adsorption decreases with an increase in temperature.