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Mobile App Chapter 2: Problem 126
Which of the following would increase the solubility of nitrogen? A. increasing the temperature B. mixing it with an equal amount of oxygen C. decreasing pressure D. increasing pressure
Short Answer
Expert verified
D. Increasing pressure
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Solubility and Gas Laws
Solubility of gases in liquids is described by Henry's Law, which states that at a constant temperature, the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas over the liquid.
02
Analyze Option A - Increasing the Temperature
Increasing the temperature typically decreases the solubility of gases in liquids. This is because higher temperatures provide more energy for gas molecules to escape from the liquid into the gas phase.
03
Analyze Option B - Mixing with Oxygen
Mixing nitrogen with oxygen does not directly affect the solubility of nitrogen in a liquid. The solubility depends on the pressure and temperature, not on the presence of other gases.
04
Analyze Option C - Decreasing Pressure
Decreasing the pressure reduces the solubility of gases in liquids according to Henry's Law. Lower pressure means fewer gas molecules are pushed into the liquid.
05
Analyze Option D - Increasing Pressure
Increasing the pressure raises the solubility of gases in liquids. According to Henry's Law, more gas molecules are forced into the liquid when the pressure is increased.
06
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct option is D: Increasing pressure increases the solubility of nitrogen in a liquid.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Henry's Law
Henry's Law is a critical principle in understanding gas solubility, especially in liquid solutions. This law states that at a constant temperature, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid.
Essentially, if the pressure of a gas above a liquid increases, more gas molecules are ‘pushed’ into the solution.
The mathematical representation of Henry's Law is: \( C = kP \)
where:
Essentially, if the pressure of a gas above a liquid increases, more gas molecules are ‘pushed’ into the solution.
The mathematical representation of Henry's Law is: \( C = kP \)
where:
- \( C \): concentration of the gas in the liquid
\( k \): Henry's Law constant
\( P \): partial pressure of the gas above the liquid
Gas Solubility
Gas solubility refers to how much of a gas can dissolve in a liquid at a given temperature and pressure.
Different gases have different solubility levels in liquids. Factors like temperature, pressure, and the nature of the gas and liquid can affect solubility.
Here are some key points to note:
Different gases have different solubility levels in liquids. Factors like temperature, pressure, and the nature of the gas and liquid can affect solubility.
Here are some key points to note:
- Simpler gases tend to be more soluble than more complex ones.
- The solubility of gases decreases with the increasing complexity of the gas molecules.
- Gases are generally less soluble in organic solvents than in water.
Effect of Pressure on Solubility
Pressure plays a significant role in determining the solubility of gases in liquids. According to Henry's Law, increasing the pressure of a gas above a liquid increases its solubility in that liquid.
Here's how:
For example, in carbonated drinks, carbon dioxide is dissolved in the beverage under high pressure. When you open the bottle, the pressure decreases, and the gas starts to escape, forming bubbles.
Here's how:
- When pressure increases, gas molecules are forced into the liquid.
- This results in a higher concentration of the gas in the solution.
For example, in carbonated drinks, carbon dioxide is dissolved in the beverage under high pressure. When you open the bottle, the pressure decreases, and the gas starts to escape, forming bubbles.
Effect of Temperature on Solubility
Temperature is another crucial factor that affects the solubility of gases in liquids. Generally, increasing the temperature decreases gas solubility.
Here's why:
This principle is important in various practical applications. For example, in aquatic environments, warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen compared to cooler water, which can affect marine life.
Understanding this concept helps in fields like environmental science and chemical engineering.
Here's why:
- Higher temperatures give gas molecules more kinetic energy.
- This energy allows them to escape from the liquid more easily.
This principle is important in various practical applications. For example, in aquatic environments, warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen compared to cooler water, which can affect marine life.
Understanding this concept helps in fields like environmental science and chemical engineering.
