Q13-118CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Use atomic properties to explain why xenon is 11 times as soluble as helium in water at $0^{\circ }C$on a mole basis.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Xenon is 11 times soluble in water than helium because of its large size and high polarizability.

Step 1: solubility

The maximum amount of a chemical that will dissolve in a specific amount of solvent is known as its solubility.

Water makes an excellent solvent because of its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. Numerous different sorts of molecules can be dissolved by water.

 

Step 2: atomic properties of xenon

Xe is a noble has molecule. As noble gases grow in size, they become more soluble in water. Due to the dipole-induced dipole interaction, noble gas dissolves in water. As the size of gas increases, the gas can be easily polarized by water.

Xe is 11 times more soluble than helium because of its large size.

 

Thus, xenon has large surface area and high polarizability (increases interatomic forces) to dissolve in water.