Question:

Which of the following gases at 298 K and 1 atm pressure is having maximum solubility in water?
(A) Methanal, KH = 0.000018
(B) Argon, KH = 40.3
(C) Methane, KH = 0.41
(D) CO2, KH = 1.6
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2025
  • Methanal
  • Argon
  • Methane
  • CO₂
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The solubility of a gas in water is inversely related to its Henry's law constant (KH). According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is given by:

\(C = \frac{P}{K_H}\)

Where:

C is the concentration (or solubility) of the gas,

P is the partial pressure of the gas,

KH is the Henry's law constant.

A lower KH value indicates greater solubility because it means that the gas is more soluble at a given pressure.

Comparison of the Henry's law constants (KH):

Methanal: KH = 0.000018 (lowest KH, highest solubility)

Argon: KH = 40.3 (high KH, low solubility)

Methane: KH = 0.41 (moderate KH, moderate solubility)

CO₂: KH = 1.6 (relatively low KH, good solubility but not the highest)

Since methanal has the lowest KH value (0.000018), it has the maximum solubility in water at 298 K and 1 atm pressure.

Thus, the correct answer is Option A: Methanal.

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