Question

Identify the gas adsorbed by solid to the largest extent at their respective critical temperature.

• A. \(\text{N}_{2(g)}\)
• B. \(\text{O}_{2(g)}\)
• C. \(\text{H}_{2(g)}\)
• D. \(\text{SO}_{2(g)}\)

Hint:

Gases with higher critical temperature are more easily liquefied, so they are adsorbed more.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The extent of physical adsorption depends on how easily a gas can be liquefied. Easily liquefiable gases have stronger van der Waals forces and are adsorbed more.

Step 2: Link to critical temperature:
A higher critical temperature means the gas liquefies more easily. So the gas with the highest critical temperature is adsorbed most.

Step 3: Compare the gases:
Approximate critical temperatures: \(\text{H}_2\) 33 K, \(\text{N}_2\) 126 K, \(\text{O}_2\) 155 K, \(\text{SO}_2\) 431 K. \(\text{SO}_2\) is the highest.

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong.
\(\text{N}_2\), \(\text{O}_2\) and \(\text{H}_2\) are permanent gases with weak intermolecular forces and low critical temperatures, so they are adsorbed far less.

Final Answer:
Sulphur dioxide is adsorbed the most. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{SO}_{2(g)}} \]