Why do gases always tend to be less soluble in liquids as the temperature is raised?
Question
Why do gases always tend to be less soluble in liquids as the temperature is raised?
Solution
The solubility of gases in liquids generally decreases with an increase in temperature due to several interrelated scientific principles:
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Kinetic Energy: As the temperature of a liquid increases, the kinetic energy of its molecules also increases. This heightened energy causes the liquid molecules to move more vigorously, making it more difficult for gas molecules to remain dissolved.
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Equilibrium Shift: The dissolution of a gas in a liquid can be viewed as an equilibrium process. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing temperature shifts the equilibrium toward the reactants, which in this case means more gas molecules escaping from the liquid back into the gas phase.
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Gas Pressure: The solubility of gases in liquids is also influenced by pressure, according to Henry's Law. By increasing the temperature, the vapor pressure of the gas above the liquid increases, leading to a reduction in the net amount of gas that can be dissolved.
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Decreased Attraction: At higher temperatures, the interactions between the gas molecules and the solvent molecules can weaken due to increased molecular motion, further contributing to the reduced solubility.
In summary, as temperature rises, the increased kinetic energy, resulting pressure changes, and shifting equilibria contribute to gases becoming less soluble in liquids. This relationship underscores the factors influencing gas behavior within solutions and aligns with chemical principles governing solubility.
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