Chapter 5

Surface Chemistry

Solutions

SECTION - A
Objective Type Questions
1. Which one of the following is a property of physisorption?
(1) Non-specific nature (2) High specificity (3) Irreversibility (4) Single layer adsorption
Sol. Answer (1)
Physisorption is non-specific, reversible, multilayred.

2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of chemisorption?

(1) Irreversible nature (2) H is of the order of 500 J
(3) Specific in nature (4) Increases with increase of surface area
Sol. Answer (2)
H of chemisorption is of the order of 80 – 240 kJ.

3. Freundlich adsorption isotherm gives a straight line on plotting

(1) x/m versus P (2) log x/m versus P
(3) log x/m versus log P (4) x/m versus 1/P
Sol. Answer (3)
x x
 P1/n or  kP1/n x
m m log
m
take log on both side
log K
x 1

log logP  logk
m n log P
y m x c

4. Which can adsorb larger volume of hydrogen gas?

(1) Colloidal solution of palladium (2) Finely divided nickel
(3) Finely divided platinum (4) Colloidal Fe(OH)3
Sol. Answer (1)
Colloidal solution of metal contain larger surface area for adsorption.

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228 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

5. The process of froth floatation and chromatography are based on

(1) Emulsification (2) Adsorption (3) Absorption (4) Both (2) & (3)
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.

6. The graph plotted against adsorption versus pressure P at constant temperature, the Freundlich equation at
points A, B, C respectively are (if n > 1)
C
B
x
m A

p
x x 1 x x x x 1
(1) 
kp, 
kp n , kp 0 (2) 
kp, kp n , 
 kp n
m m m m m m
x 1 x x 1 x x 1 x
(3) 
kp n , kp n , 
 kp n (4) kp  ,
 
kp n , kp n
m m m m m m
Sol. Answer (1)
x
A, linear   kp [n = 1]
m
x
B, curve   kp1/n [n  1]
m
x
C  is independent of pressure.
m
x
 = kp0 = k [n ]
m

x
7. The intercept on Y-axis in the graph of log versus log P gives
m
1
(1) (n > 1) (2) k (3) log k (4) Temperature
n
Sol. Answer (3)
x
 kp1/n
m
x
 log k  1 log P
log
m n
c x
y m
intercept

8. Which of the following is correct about the adsorption of N2 over Iron?

(1) It is always physically adsorbed
(2) Extent of adsorption over iron decreases with the increase in temperature first and then increases
(3) It is always chemically adsorbed
(4) N2 is never adsorbed over iron
Sol. Answer (2)
Adsorption of N2 over iron is an example of chemsorption.
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Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Surface Chemistry 229
9. By plotting log x/m on y-axis and log P on x-axis, we should get

x x x x
log log log
(1) log (2) m (3) m (4) m
m
log P log P log P log P

Sol. Answer (2)

x
log  1 log P + logk
m n x c
y m

x 1
log = n
m
log K
log P

10. In adsorption from solution phase, the Freundlich adsorption isotherm is modified as
x x x x
(1)  k.T1/n (2)  R.T1/n (3)  nkP1/n (4)  kC1/n
m m m m
Sol. Answer (4)
Pressure is replaced by concentration term.

11. Size of colloidal particle ranges between

(1) 1 nm to 100 nm (2) 1 nm to 1000 nm (3) 10 nm to 1000 nm (4) 100 nm to 1000 nm
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.

12. Which is not a colloidal solution?

(1) Smoke (2) Ink (3) Air (4) Blood
Sol. Answer (3)
Air is homogenous mixture so not colloid solution.

13. Lyophobic colloids are

(1) Reversible colloids (2) Irreversible colloids (3) Protective colloids (4) Gum, proteins
Sol. Answer (2)
Irrereversible colloids (facts).

14. Which of the following processes best describes the purification of muddy water by addition of alum?
(1) Absorption (2) Coagulation (3) Dialysis (4) Electrodialysis
Sol. Answer (2)
Alum coagulates the impurities present in muddy water, which settles down.

15. Colloidal solution commonly used in treatment of eye disease is

(1) Colloidal sulphur (2) Colloidal silver (3) Colloidal gold (4) Colloidal antimony
Sol. Answer (2)
Colloidal silver = argyrol. [fact.]

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230 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

16. Micelles formation takes place

(1) At CMC and at kraft temperature (2) At CMC and at above kraft temperature
(3) At above CMC and at kraft temperature (4) Above CMC and above kraft temperature
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.

17. Which of the following is positively charged colloidal particle?

(1) As2S3 (2) Al2O3.xH2O (3) Au (4) Pt
Sol. Answer (2)
Al2O3.xH2O [Generally, oxides are positively charged colloidal solution.]

18. Colloids can be purified by

(1) Tyndall effect (2) Coagulation (3) Peptization (4) Ultrafiltration
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.

19. Which of the following has minimum protecting power?

(1) Gelatin (Gold no. = 0.01) (2) Dextrin (Gold no. = 15)
(3) Potato starch (Gold no. = 25) (4) Albumin (Gold no. = 0.25)
Sol. Answer (3)

1
Protecting power 
Gold number

20. Movement of colloidal particles under the influence of electric field is called
(1) Electrophoresis (2) Dialysis (3) Ionisation (4) Electrodialysis
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.

21. Emulsifier is an agent which

(1) Accelerates the dispersion (2) Stabilises the emulsion
(3) Homogenizes the emulsion (4) Dissociate emulsions
Sol. Answer (2)
Emulsifier stabilises the emulsion.

22. Gelatin is often used as an ingredient in the manufacture of ice-cream. The reason for this is
(1) To prevent the formation of a colloid (2) To stabilize the colloid and prevent crystal growth
(3) To cause the mixture to solidify (4) To improve the flavour
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.

23. Milk can be preserved by adding a few drops of

(1) Formic acid solution (2) Formaldehyde solution (3) Acetic acid solution (4) Acetaldehyde solution
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
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Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Surface Chemistry 231
24. When a river enters the sea, a delta is formed. Formation of delta is due to
(1) Peptization (2) Coagulation (3) Emulsification (4) Dialysis
Sol. Answer (2)
River water is a colloidal solution of clay and sea water contains a number of electrolytes. When river water
meets the sea water, the electrolytes present in the sea water, coagulate the colloidal solution of clay which
resulting in its deposition with formation of delta.

25. Which statement is incorrect?

(1) Higher the gold number of lyophilic sol better is its protective action
(2) Lower the gold number of a lyophilic sol better is its protective action
(3) The Bredig's arc method is usually suitable for preparing sols of inert metals
(4) The osmotic pressure method gives the average molar mass of a polymer
Sol. Answer (1)
1
protective action 
Gold number

26. The potential difference between the fixed charged layer and the diffused layer having opposite charge is called
(1) Zeta potential (2) Streaming potential (3) Dorn potential (4) Colloidal potential
Sol. Answer (1)
Definition (Fact)

27. When dilute aqueous solution of AgNO3 (excess) is added to KI solution, positively charged sol particles of
AgI are formed due to adsorption of ion
(1) K+ (2) Ag+ (3) I– (4) NO3–
Sol. Answer (2)
Ag+ ion is adsorbed on AgI.

Ag
Ag Ag

Ag AgI Ag

Ag Ag
Ag

28. In the preparation of AgI sol, AgNO3 is added to excess of potassium iodide solution. The particles of the sol
will acquire
(1) Negative charge (2) Positive charge (3) No charge (4) Unpredictable
Sol. Answer (1)
Concentration of I– ion is much larger than Ag+.
 I– is adsorbed on AgI solution  forming negative solution.

29. Which of the following method is not employed for the purification of colloids?
(1) Electrodialysis (2) Dialysis (3) Ultracentrifugation (4) Peptisation
Sol. Answer (4)
Peptisation : It is process of formation of colloidal solution.

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232 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

30. During purification of colloidal sol by ultracentrifugation which of the following is observed?
(1) Colloidal particles are settled at the bottom of ultracentrifuge tube
(2) Impurities are settled at the bottom of the ultracentrifuge tube
(3) Impurities are removed through ultrafilters
(4) Its rate can be increased by applying pressure
Sol. Answer (1)
Due to centrifugal force, colloidal particles are settled at the bottom of ultracentrifuge rule.

31. A positive colloid will be formed when

(1) NH4OH is added dropwise in dilute solution of FeCl3
(2) H2S is passed in dilute AsCl3 solution
(3) Dilute AgNO3 solution is added to saturated AgI solution
(4) Gelatin is dissolved in water
Sol. Answer (3)
Ag+ ions are adsorbed on the surface of AgI molecule.

Ag+
+
Ag Ag+

Ag+ AgI Ag+

Ag+ Ag+
+
Ag

32. Which of the following is with highest and lowest flocculation value among Al+3, Na+, Mg+2, Ba+2?
(1) Al+3, Na+ (2) Na+, Al+3
(3) Ba+2, Al+3 (4) They have same flocculation value
Sol. Answer (2)

1
Flocculation value 
Total charge an cation/anion

33. Most effective coagulant for a colloidal solution of arsenic sulphide in water is
(1) 0.1 M sodium phosphate (2) 0.1 M zinc sulphate
(3) 0.1 M zinc nitrate (4) 0.1 M aluminium chloride
Sol. Answer (4)
As2S3 is a negative colloid and to coagulate it, positive cation which highest charge is required.

34. Flocculation value is expressed in terms of

(1) Millimoles of electrolyte per litre of solution (2) Moles of electrolyte per litre of solution
(3) Gram of electrolyte per litre of solution (4) Millimoles of electrolyte per millilitre of solution
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.

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Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Surface Chemistry 233
35. Colloidal particles in soap sol carry
(1) Negative charge (2) Positive charge
(3) No charge (4) Either positive or negative charge
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.

36. Which of the following metallic sols cannot be prepared by Breding’s arc method?
(1) Gold (2) Silver (3) Platinum (4) Sodium
Sol. Answer (4)
Solution of inert metal are prepared by breeding arc method.

37. When SO2 gas is bubbled into H2S gas

(1) Lyophillic sol of sulphur is formed (2) Lyophobic sol of sulphur is formed
(3) Suspension of water and sulphur is formed (4) A true solution of sulphur in water is formed
Sol. Answer (2)

SO2  2H2S 

oxidation
3S  2H2O.
(sol)

S is water repelent (non-polar) so form lyophobic solution.

38. The stabilization of the dispersed phase in a lyophobic sol is due to

(1) The viscosity of the medium
(2) The surface tension of the medium
(3) Affinity for the medium
(4) The formation of an electrical double layer between the two phases
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.

39. When FeCl3 solution is added to NaOH a negatively charged sol is obtained. It is due to the
(1) Presence of basic group (2) Preferential adsorption of OH– ions
(3) Self dissociation (4) Electron capture by sol particles
Sol. Answer (2)
FeCl3 + NaOH  Fe2O3.xH2O/OH–
[Concentration of OH– ion is large and in case of cold NaOH solution, negatively charged solution is formed.]

40. The example of homogeneous catalysis is

(1) Formation of NH3 in Haber's process (2) Formation of NO in Ostwald's process
(3) Formation of SO3 in Lead chamber process (4) Formation of SO3 in Contact process
Sol. Answer (3)
Formation of SO3 in lead chamber process in which catalyst and reactant and products are in same phase
(gas phase).

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234 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

SECTION - B
Previous Year Questions
1. The coagulation values in millimoles per litre of the electrolytes used for the coagulation of As2S3 are given
below : [NEET-Phase-2-2016]
I. (NaCl) = 52
II. (BaCl2) = 0.69
III. (MgSO4) = 0.22
The correct order of their coagulating power is
(1) I > II > III (2) II > I > III (3) III > II > I (4) III > I > II
Sol. Answer (3)
1
Coagulating power 
Coagulation value
2. Which one of the following characteristics is associated with adsorption? [NEET-2016]
(1) G and S are negative but H is positive (2) G is negative but H and S are positive
(3) G, H and S all are negative (4) G and H are negative but S is positive
Sol. Answer (3)
Adsorption is a spontaneous process with release in energy and decreases the randomness of adsorbed
substance
 G, H & S all are negative.
3. Fog is a colloidal solution of [NEET-2016]
(1) Gas in gas (2) Liquid in gas (3) Gas in liquid (4) Solid in gas
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
4. Which property of colloidal solution is independent of charge on the colloidal particles? [AIPMT-2015]
(1) Tyndall effect (2) Coagulation (3) Electrophoresis (4) Electro-osmosis
Sol. Answer (1)
5. Which property of colloids is not dependent on the charge on colloidal particles? [AIPMT-2014]
(1) Coagulation (2) Electrophoresis (3) Electro-osmosis (4) Tyndall effect
Sol. Answer (4)
6. Which of the following statements is correct for the spontaneous adsorption of a gas? [AIPMT-2014]
(1) S is negative and, therefore, H should be highly positive
(2) S is negative and therefore, H should be highly negative
(3) S is positive and, therefore, H should be negative
(4) S is positive and, therefore, H should also be highly positive
Sol. Answer (2)
For a spontaneons process G should be negative.
7. Which one of the following statements is incorrect about enzyme catalysis? [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
(1) Enzymes are denaturated by ultraviolet rays and at high temperature
(2) Enzymes are least reactive at optimum temperature
(3) Enzymes are mostly proteinous in nature
(4) Enzyme action is specific

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Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Surface Chemistry 235
Sol. Answer (2)
Reactivity of enzymes are temperature dependent and they are most reactive at optimum temperature.
8. In Freundlich Adsorption isotherm, the value of 1/n is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
(1) 1 in case of physical adsorption (2) 1 in case of chemisorption
(3) Between 0 and 1 in all cases (4) Between 2 and 4 in all cases
Sol. Answer (3)
1
x
 kp n ; where n is the number of layers adsorbed.
m
 n = 1, 2, 3...
1 1 1
& = 1, , ,...0
n 2 3
9. The protecting power of lyophilic colloidal sol is expressed in terms of [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
(1) Critical miscelle concentration (2) Oxidation number
(3) Coagulation value (4) Gold number
Sol. Answer (4)
Fact.
10. If x is amount of adsorbate and m is amount of adsorbent, which of the following relations is not related to
adsorption process? [AIPMT (Prelims)-2011]
x
(1)  pT (2) x/m = f(p) at constant T
m
(3) x/m = f(T) at constant P (4) p = f(T) at constant (x/m)
Sol. Answer (1)
1
x x
 kp n so,  p  T  is invalid
m m
11. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is deduced using the assumption [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007]
(1) The adsorbed molecules interact with each other
(2) The adsorption takes place in multilayers
(3) The adsorption sites are equivalent in their ability to adsorb the particles
(4) The heat of adsorption varies with coverage
Sol. Answer (3)
FACT
12. A plot of log x/m versus log p for the adsorption of a gas on a solid gives a straight line with slope equal to
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]
1
(1) – log k (2) n (3) (4) log k
n
Sol. Answer (3)
x
∵ = k × P1/n
m
x 1
 log = logk + logP
m n
13. Which one of the following forms micelles in aqueous solution above certain concentration?
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
(1) Urea (2) Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
(3) Pyridinium chloride (4) Glucose
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236 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

Sol. Answer (2)

Contains polar head and non-polar tail.
14. When a few typical solutes are separated by a particular selective membrane such as protein particles, blood
corpuscles, this process is called
(1) Transpiration (2) Endosmosis (3) Dialysis (4) Diffusion
Sol. Answer (3)
Dialysis is process of removing dissolved substance from a colloidal solution.
15. A colloidal system has particles of which of the following size?
(1) 10–9 m to 10–12 m (2) 10–6 m to 10–9 m (3) 10–4 m to 10–10 m (4) 10–5 m to 10–7 m
Sol. Answer (2)
Fact.
16. The ability of anion, to bring about coagulation of a given colloid, depends upon
(1) Magnitude of the charge (2) Both magnitude and sign of charge
(3) Its charge only (4) Sign of the charge alone
Sol. Answer (2)
Ability of anion to bring about coagulation of a given colloid depends on
(i) Magnitude of charge [positive colloid × coagulating power get coagulate] [PO43– > CO32–].
(ii) Opposite (sign) charges [attraction between opposite charges].
17. At the critical micelle concentration (CMC) the surfactant molecules
(1) Associate (2) Dissociate
(3) Decompose (4) Become completely soluble
Sol. Answer (1)
At CMC, surfactant molecule come close to each other and associate (fact).
18. Which one of the following methods is commonly used method for destruction of colloid?
(1) Dialysis (2) Condensation
(3) Filtration by animal membrane (4) By adding electrolyte
Sol. Answer (4)
By adding electrolyte, colloidal particles gets coagulated.
19. Pure water can be obtained from sea water by
(1) Centrifugation (2) Plasmolysis (3) Reverse osmosis (4) Sedimentation
Sol. Answer (3)
Reverse osmosis (fact).
20. Which is not correct regarding the adsorption of a gas on surface of a solid?
(1) On increasing temperature adsorption increases continuously
(2) Enthalpy and entropy change is negative
(3) Adsorption is more for some specific substance
(4) It is a reversible reaction
Sol. Answer (1)
In case of physisorption, increase in temperature decreases the extent of adsorption but in case of
chemisorption, increase in temperature first increases the extent of adsorption then decreases.

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Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Surface Chemistry 237
21. Position of non polar and polar part in micelle
(1) Polar at outer surface but non polar at inner surface (2) Polar at inner surface non polar at outer surface
(3) Distributed over all the surface (4) Are present in the surface only
Sol. Answer (1)

Polar part interact with H2O molecule which polar solvent [like dissolves like].
22. According to the adsorption theory of catalysis, the speed of the reaction increases because
(1) The concentration of reactant molecules at the active centres of the catalyst becomes high due to
adsorption
(2) In the process of adsorption, the activation energy of the molecules becomes large
(3) Adsorption produces heat which increases the speed of the reaction
(4) Adsorption lowers the activation energy of the reaction
Sol. Answer (4)
Function of catalyst is to reduce activation energy, so that rate of reaction increases.

P.E Ea Eb < Ea
Eb (in presence
of catalyst)

23. Which of the following forms cationic micelles above certain concentration?
(1) Sodium dodecyl sulphate (2) Sodium acetate
(3) Urea (4) Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Sol. Answer (1)
Large alkyl part with positive polar end.

SECTION - C
Assertion - Reason Type Questions
1. A : AgI changes to negatively charged colloidal solution in presence of KI.
R : It is due to adsorption of I– on AgI.
Sol. Answer (1)
I– is adsorb on the surface of AgI, due to its high concentration.

2. A : A colloidal solution gets coagulated by addition of an electrolyte.

R : The rate of coagulation depends on the magnitude and sign of the charge of the coagulant ion.
Sol. Answer (2)
Electrolyte contains both cation and anion i.e., y charged colloidal particle gets coagulate.

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238 Surface Chemistry Solution of Assignment (Set-2)

3. A : In physical adsorption, heat of adsorption is low i.e., 20 - 40 kJ/mol.

R : On increasing temperature, physical adsorption increases.
Sol. Answer (3)
1
Physical adsorption  .
Temperature
4. A : Starch and gelatin are lyophillic colloid.
R : They have strong interaction with the dispersion medium.
Sol. Answer (1)
Fact.
5. A : Micelles can be formed at above CMC and at below Kraft temperature.
R : For NaCl solution, Kraft temperature is 60ºC.
Sol. Answer (4)
Micelles are formed at above CMC and Kraft temperature.
6. A : Lyophillic sols are more stable than lyophobic sols.
R : Lyophilic sols are more readily hydrated than lyophobic sols.
Sol. Answer (1)
Lyophillic sols are more stable because have more interaction with solvent.
7. A : Aqueous gold colloidal sol is red in colour.
R : The colour arises due to scattering of light by particles of gold.
Sol. Answer (1)
Colour of solution depend upon the size of gold particle.
Colour of finest gold particle is red.
8. A : Al+3 can be used for the coagulation of As2S3 sol.
R : Al3+ reacts with As2S3 to give Al2S3.
Sol. Answer (3)
As2S3 is a negative colloid and it is coagulated by positive charge Al3+ by adsorption.
9. A : Soap has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups.
R : Soap acts as emulsifier in cleaning action.
Sol. Answer (2)
O
–
C–O
Soap, .
hydrophilic
hydrophobic
Both statement are correct but not related.
10. A : Catalyst increases the reaction velocity.
R : Solid catalyst provides large surface area for reaction to occur.
Sol. Answer (2)
Catalyst decreases activation energy. Reactant molecules adsorb on the surface of solid catalyst and it provides
surface area for reaction to occur.
  
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