Question:

Which of the following is an example of physisorption?

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Physisorption occurs due to weak van der Waals forces and is common for inert gases like He, Ne, Ar on solid surfaces. Chemisorption involves chemical bond formation and is usually irreversible.
Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • Adsorption of NH\(_3\) on charcoal
  • Adsorption of H on Ni
  • Adsorption of noble gases on solid surface
  • Adsorption of O on heated metal
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Adsorption can be of two types:
Physisorption (Physical adsorption): Occurs due to weak van der Waals forces between the adsorbent and adsorbate.
Chemisorption (Chemical adsorption): Involves formation of a chemical bond between adsorbent and adsorbate. Characteristics of physisorption:
• Weak intermolecular forces
• Low heat of adsorption
• Reversible process
• Usually occurs with gases like noble gases

Step 1:
Analyze each option.
• Adsorption of \( \text{H} \) on Ni involves formation of chemical bonds → chemisorption.
• Adsorption of \( \text{O} \) on heated metal also involves chemical interaction → chemisorption.
• Adsorption of \( \text{NH}_3 \) on charcoal may involve stronger interactions.
• Adsorption of noble gases occurs due to weak van der Waals forces.

Step 2:
Identify the correct example of physisorption. Noble gases are chemically inert and interact only through weak intermolecular forces. Thus, \[ \text{Adsorption of noble gases on solid surface} \] is a classic example of physisorption. Therefore, the correct answer is \[ \boxed{\text{Adsorption of noble gases on solid surface}} \]
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