Problem 14 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Adsorbed acetic acid on activated charcoal is (a) adsorbate (b) adsorber (c) absorber (d) absorbent

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) adsorbate

Step 1: Understand the Terminology

Before choosing an answer, it's important to understand the difference between adsorbate, adsorber, absorber, and absorbent. - **Adsorbate** refers to the substance that is being adsorbed on the surface. - **Adsorber** is typically the material or surface where adsorption occurs. - **Absorber** refers to a material where absorption (not adsorption) happens, which involves bulk uptake. - **Absorbent** is the material that takes in another substance.

Step 2: Analyze the Scenario

In the given scenario, acetic acid is being adsorbed on activated charcoal. This implies that acetic acid is the substance being retained on the surface of another material (activated charcoal). Therefore, it fits the description of something that is being adsorbed on a surface.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Option

Based on the understanding from Steps 1 and 2, the acetic acid, being the substance that lands and stays on the surface of activated charcoal, fits the definition of an **adsorbate**.

Key Concepts

Adsorbate

When we talk about adsorption, the term **adsorbate** is key. This is the substance that gets attached to a surface during the adsorption process. Imagine if you were to spill some sugar onto a countertop. The sugar grains that stick to the surface are similar to adsorbates.
In chemistry, adsorbates can be gases, liquids, or solutes that cling to a surface due to various molecular interactions.

• The process primarily involves physical forces like Van der Waals forces or chemical bonds.
• The surface area, temperature, and pressure influence how much adsorbate interacts with the surface.

This concept is critical because understanding the nature of adsorbates helps in designing better adsorption systems in applications like water purification and air quality control.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a fascinating material due to its ability to adsorb various substances effectively. It's made from carbon-rich materials such as wood or coconut shells that have been processed to create a highly porous surface.
These pores increase the surface area, making activated charcoal an excellent adsorber for gases and particles.

• Commonly used in filters and cleansing products to trap impurities.
• Highly effective in removing smells and toxins from air and water.
• Acts as a sponge by holding substances on its surface.

Its application ranges from medicinal uses, like poison control, to everyday uses in skincare, demonstrating how versatile and valuable activated charcoal is.

Chemistry Terminology

Grasping the right chemistry terminology helps in understanding complex processes like adsorption more clearly. **Adsorption** involves the adhesion of molecules from a liquid, gas, or dissolved solid onto a surface, distinct from absorption, which involves the entire volume of the material. Here are clear distinctions:

• Adsorption: molecules adhere to surfaces (e.g., static cling of dust to a TV screen).
• Absorption: involves full material uptake (e.g., a sponge soaking up water).
• Adsorption vs. Absorption: While adsorption is a surface process, absorption entails assimilation.
• Terminologies like **adsorbate** and **adsorber** become pivotal when discussing adsorption processes.

Solidifying your understanding of these terms helps you navigate chemistry topics with confidence and clarity.