MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Surface Chemistry / Adsorption: physisorption vs chemisorption, Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3sc053

Which of the following observations indicate chemisorption rather than physisorption?

  1. AEnthalpy of adsorption is
  2. BThe amount adsorbed at fixed pressure first rises with temperature from to and then falls
  3. CThe amount adsorbed falls steadily on warming and the enthalpy is
  4. DThe gas is fully recovered on reducing the pressure at the same temperature and multilayers are formed

Answer: A, B

A large enthalpy (about ) and a maximum in extent with temperature (activation energy needed, then exothermic decline) point to chemisorption. Steady decrease with a low enthalpy, and reversible multilayer adsorption, are features of physisorption.
Practice Surface Chemistry More on Adsorption: physisorption vs chemisorption, Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms

More questions on Adsorption: physisorption vs chemisorption, Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms