Chemistry · Factors affecting equilibrium: concentration, pressure, temperature, the effect of catalyst, Le Chatelier's principle

Whenever a mixture of gases is allowed to come in contact with a particular adso

Whenever a mixture of gases is allowed to come in contact with a particular adsorbent under the same conditions, the more strong adsorbate is adsorbed to a greater extent irrespective of its amount present. For example, \( \boldsymbol{H}_{2} \boldsymbol{O} \) is adsorbed to more extent on silica gel than \( N_{2} \) and \( O_{2} . \) This shows that some adsorbates are preferentially adsorbed. It is also observed that preferentially adsorbable adsorbents can displace a weakly adsorbed substance from the surface of an adsorbent. When temperature is increased:

  • A. extent of adsorption increases
  • B. extent of adsorption decreases
  • C. no effect on adsorption
  • D. extent of adsorption first decreases, then increases

Step-by-step solution

Adsorption is generally an exothermic process. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium in the direction of desorption, thus decreasing the extent of adsorption.
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