Question

Which of the following gases is least adsorbed on charcoal?

• A. $HCl$
• B. $N{H}_3$
• C. $O_2$
• D. $C{O}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$O_2$

• The amount of gas adsorbed by a solid depends on the nature of the gas. In general, easily liquefiable gases are easily adsorbed.
  

• Here easily liquefiable means the gases with higher critical temperatures are readily adsorbed as van der Waals’ forces are stronger.
  

• As $O_2$ has the least critical temperature of all the available options, $O_2$ is least adsorbed on charcoal.