Question

At the same temperature, \( CO_2 \) gas is more soluble in water than \( O_2 \) gas. Which one of them will have a higher value of \( K_H \) and why?

Hint:

- A higher \( K_H \) means lower solubility of the gas. - A lower \( K_H \) means higher solubility of the gas.

Answer 1

\( O_2 \) gas has a higher \( K_H \) value because a higher \( K_H \) means lower solubility of the gas in liquid. 
Step 1: Understanding Henry’s Law Constant (\( K_H \)) Henry’s law states that: \[ C = K_H P \] where \( C \) is the concentration of the gas in liquid, \( K_H \) is Henry’s law constant, and \( P \) is the partial pressure of the gas. 

Step 2: Relationship Between \( K_H \) and Solubility \[ K_H \propto \frac{1}{\text{Solubility of Gas}} \] Since \( CO_2 \) is more soluble in water than \( O_2 \), it has a lower \( K_H \) value. Thus, \( O_2 \) has a higher \( K_H \).