Which solution of gas dissolved in water can contain the most gas molecules?
Answer (2)
The solution that can contain the most gas molecules is influenced by temperature, pressure, and the type of gas. Lower temperatures and higher pressures generally increase the solubility of gases in water. An example is carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages, which is highly soluble due to pressure.
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To determine which solution of gas dissolved in water can contain the most gas molecules, we need to consider several factors that affect the solubility of gases in liquids. Let's examine these factors step-by-step:
Temperature:
Temperature is a crucial factor. Generally, the solubility of gases decreases as the temperature increases. This means that colder water can hold more gas molecules than warmer water.
Pressure:
According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. Higher pressure means more gas molecules can be dissolved.
Type of Gas:
Different gases have different solubilities in water. For instance, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is more soluble in water than oxygen (O₂).
Nature of the Solvent:
While the solvent in this scenario is water, its pH and the presence of any solutes can impact gas solubility. For example, CO₂ is more soluble in acidic solutions because it reacts with water to form carbonic acid.
Example
To maximize gas solubility, you might keep a container of cold water (low temperature) under a higher pressure of CO₂. This setup facilitates the greatest number of CO₂ molecules dissolving in the water.
In summary, the solution of gas dissolved in water that contains the most gas molecules is one where:
The water is cold.
The pressure of the gas above the liquid is high.
The gas itself is inherently more soluble in water, like CO₂.
These conditions together maximize the solubility of the gas, leading to a greater concentration of gas molecules in the solution. This understanding is especially useful in practical applications, such as in carbonated beverages, where CO₂ is dissolved in water under high pressure and low temperature to achieve the fizziness.
