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UNIT 5

SURFACE CHEMISTRY

Points to Remember

1. Adsorption occurs because of unbalanced forces acting inwards on the surface of

the solid or a liquid.
2. The substance adsorbed is called adsorbate and substance on which adsorption
takes place is adsorbent.
3. In physical adsorption, adsorbate is held to adsorbent by weak van der Waals
forces. In chemisorptions, adsorbate is held to adsorbent by strong chemical
bond type of foces.
4. Water vapours are adsorbed in silica gel but absorbed in CaCl 2.
5. If the concentration of adsorbate is more on the surface with respect to bulk, it is
called positive adsorption. If it is less on the surface with respect to bulk, it is
called negative adsorption.
6. Greater the surface area of the adsorbent, the more is the extent of adsorption.
7. Higher the critical temperature of a gas, greater is its extent of adsorption.
8. Physical adsorption is due to van der Waals forces and is reversible. Chemisorp-
tion involves the formation of compounds on the surface and is irreversible.
9. At constant temperature, adsorption generally increases with pressure. The low-
er the temperature, the greater is the effect of pressure.
10. Freundlich adsorption isotherm is

    i.e.,  

The plot of log x/m vs log P gives a straight line with slope = 1/n and y-intercept
= log k.
 2 | Chemistry-XII
11. Adsorption is generally temperature dependent. Generally adsorption is exo-
thermic and, therefore, adsorption decreases with the increase in temperature.
12. For adsorption from solution, pressure (P) is replaced by equilibrium concentra-
tion (C).
13. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of reaction without being con-
sumed in the reaction. In general, a catalyst functions by lowering the energy of
activation which in turn makes the rate constant larger and, hence, the rate of
reaction higher. (The catalysts take part in reaction but get regenerated during
course of reaction.)
14. In homogeneous catalysis, the catalyst is in the same phase as that of reactants
and in heterogeneous catalysis, the catalyst is in the different phase from the
reactants.
15. Enzymes are biological catalysts. Their main characteristics are their high spec-
i city, ef ciency (even in traces) and activity at physiological temperature of 37º
C and pH of 7.4.
16. Enzyme catalysed reaction takes place in two steps :
E+S  [ES] (fast and reversible)
[ES]  E + P (slow and rate determining)
(E is enzyme, S is substrate and P is product.)
17. Colloidal solutions are intermediate between true solutions and suspensions.
Their size ranges in the order 1 nm to 1000 nm.
18. A colloidal system consists of two phases : the dispersed phase and dispersion
phase.
19. Lyophilic sols : There is strong attraction between dispersed phase and disper-
sion medium. These are formed by organic substances like gum, starch, protein
etc. These are reversible and more stable.
20. Lyophobic sols : There is very little interaction between dispersed phase and
dispersion medium and are formed by inorganic substances like metals, their
sulphides etc. These are irreversible and less stable.
21. The stability of lyophilic sols is due to their greater hydration in the solution.
22. The colloidal systems show Brownian movement, Tyndall effect and electropho-
resis.
23. Aggregate of ions in an associated colloidal sol is called ionic micelle. The con-
centration above which these are formed is called critical micelle concentra-
tion (CMC) and the temperature above which these are formed is called Kraft
temperature (Tk).
 Surface Chemistry | 3

24. Conversion of a freshly precipitated substance into colloidal sol by shaking with
a suitable electrolyte is called peptization.
25. The movement of colloidal particles under the in uence of an electric eld is
called electrophoresis.
26. The process of changing the colloidal particles in a sol into the insoluble precip-
itate by the addition of some suitable electrolytes is known as coagulation.
27. According to Hardy Schulze rule, greater the valency of the occulating ion of
the electrolyte, the faster is the coagulation.
28. The minimum number of millimoles of the electrolyte required for complete co-
agulation of one litre of a colloidal sol is called its coagulation or occulation
value.
29. The minimum number of milligrams of a lyophilic sol needed to protect 10 mL
of gold sol by the addition of 1 mL of 10% NaCl is called gol number. Protective
power is the reciprocal of gold number.
30. Emulsions are colloidal systems in which both dispersed phase and dispersion
medium are liquids. These can be of (i) oil in water (o/w) and (ii) water in oil
(w/o) type.
31. The process of making emulsion is called emulsi cation.
32. To stabilize an emulsion, an emulsifying agent or emulsi er is added. Soap and
detergents are most frequently used as emulsi ers.
33. The potential difference between the xed layer and the diffused layer of oppo-
site charges in colloids is called electrokinetic potential or zeta potential.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
Q. 1. Why does a gas mixed with another gas not form a colloidal system ?
[Hint : Gaseous mixture is homogeneous.]
Q. 2. Why are adsorbate particles attracted and retained on the surface of adsor-
bent ?
[Hint : The unbalanced forces of the adsorbent are responsible for attracting
adsorbate particles at adsorbent surface.]
Q. 3. Explain the terms sorption and desorption.
[Hint : Sorption is used to describe the process when adsorption and absorption
take place simultaneously.
Desorption : Removal of adsorbate from the surface of adsorbent.]
Q. 4. “Chemisorption is highly speci c.” Illustrate with an example.
[Hint : As it involves chemical bonding between adsorbent and adsorbate.]
 4 | Chemistry-XII

Q. 5. “Adsorbents in nely divided form are more effective.” Why ?

[Hint : Due to their more surface area in nely divided form.]
Q. 6. Name two compounds used as adsorbent for controlling humidity.
Ans. Silica gel, Alumina gel
Q. 7. Mention one shape selective catalyst used to convert alcohol directly into
gasoline.
[Hint : ZSM-5]
Q. 8. ‘Generally high temperature is favourable for chemisorption.’ Why ?
[Hint : To provide energy of activation.]
Q. 9. Name the catalyst used in the following process :
(a) Haber’s process for the manufacture of NH3 gas.
(b) Ostwald process for the manufacture of nitric acid.
[Hint : (a) Finely divided Fe/FeO, MO as promoter.
(b) Pt (Platinised asbestos)]
Q. 10. Write Freundlich adsorption isotherm relation.

     
[Hint : , ]
Q. 11. Which group elements show maximum catalytic activity for hydrogenation
reactions ?
[Hint : 7-9 group elements.]
Q. 12. Why gas masks are used by miners in coal mines while working ?
[Hint : To absorb poisonous gases.]
Q. 13. Write the chemical reaction involved in the preparation of sulphur sol.
 
 
[Hint : ]
Q. 14. Name the enzyme which converts milk into curd.
[Hint : Lactobacilli.]
Q. 15. What are the optimum temperature and pH at which enzymes are highly
active ?
[Hint : Temperature 298-310 K and pH 5 to 7]
Q. 16. What are the physical states of dispersed phase and dispersion medium in
foam rubber ?
[Hint : Dispersed phase : Gas; Dispersion medium : Solid]
 Surface Chemistry | 5

Q. 17. What is the composition of colloidion solution ?

[Hint : 4% solution of nitrocellulose in a mixture of alcohol and ether.]
Q. 18. Why do colloidal particles show Brownian movement ?
[Hint : Due to unbalanced bombardment of the dispersed phase particles by the
molecules of the dispersion medium.]
Q. 19. State the sign of entropy change involved when the molecules of a substance
get adsorbed on a solid surface.
[Hint : S =  ve]
Q. 20. Why does sky appear blue to us ?
[Hint : Due to scattering of blue light by dust particles and water suspended in
air.]
Q. 21. What happens when hydrated ferric oxide and arsenious sulphide sols are
mixed in almost equal proportions ?
[Hint : Mutual precipitation/coagulation took place.]
Q. 22. Gelatin is generally added to ice-cream. Why ?
[Hint : Ice-cream is water in oil type emulsion and gelatin acts as emulsi er.]
Q. 23. How is lake test for aluminium ion based upon adsorption ?
[Hint : Al2O3.xH2O has the capacity to adsorb the colour of blue litmus from the
solution.]
Q. 24. What is saturation pressure in Freundlich’s isotherm ?
[Hint : High pressure]
Q. 25. Mention the two conditions for the formation of micelles.
[Hint : CMC and Tk.]
Q. 26. How is Brownian movement responsible for the stability of sols ?
[Hint : Stirring effect due to Brownian movement does not allow the particles to
settle down.]
Q. 27. Which of the following is more effective in coagulating positively charged
hydrated ferric oxide sol : (i) KCl, (ii) CaSO4, (iii) K3[Fe(CN)6] ?
[Hint : K3[Fe(CN)6]]
Q. 28. State the purpose of impregnating the lter paper with colloidion solution.
[Hint : To reduce pore size of lter paper, so that colloidal particles cannot pass
through.]
Q. 29. Mention one use of ZSM-5 catalyst.
[Hint : In dehydration of alcohols in formation of synthetic gasoline.]
 6 | Chemistry-XII
Q. 30. Name the enzyme which convert starch into maltose.
Ans. Diastase/Salivary amylase.
Q. 31. Why is it necessary to remove CO (carbon monoxide) when ammonia is
obtained by Haber’s process ?
Ans. CO acts as poison catalyst for Haber’s process therefore, it will lower the activity
of the Fe catalyst.
Q. 32. Explain the terms : (i) CMC, (ii) Kraft temperature (Tk).
[Hint : CMC : Concentration above which micelle formation took place.
Kraft Temperature : It is the temperature above the micelle formation took place.]

SHORT ANSWER-I TYPE QUESTIONS (2 Marks)

Q. 1. Explain the effect of temperature on the extent of physical and chemical
adsorption.
[Hint : Physical adsorption decreases with increase of temperature, while chem-
ical adsorption increases with increase of temperature.]
Q. 2. De ne the term peptization and mention its cause.
[Hint : It is the process of converting a ppts into a colloidal sol by shaking it with
small amount of electrolyte with dispersion medium. Ppts adsorb one of the ions
of the electrolyte on its surface.]
Q. 3. What will be the charge on colloidal solutions in the following cases ?

Give reasons for the origin of charge.

Ans. (i) Ag+ ions are adsorbed on AgI, forming positively charged colloid.
(ii) I ions are adsorbed on AgI forming negatively charged colloid.
Reason for origin of charge is the preferential adsorption of common ions of the
electrolyte present in excess.
Q. 4. Write the factors upon which the catalytic reaction of shape-selective cata-
lyst depends ?
[Hint : (a) Pore structure of the catalyst.
(b) Size and shape of the reactant and product molecules.]
Q. 5. Mention two examples of emulsifying agents for o/w emulsions and w/o
emulsions.
 Surface Chemistry | 7
[Hint : For o/w emulsions : Proteins, gums, soaps.
For w/o emulsions : Fatty acids, long chain alcohols, lampblack.]
Q. 6. Suggest a mechanism of enzyme catalysed reaction.
[Hint : (a) Binding of enzyme and substrate : E + S  [ES]
(b) Decomposition of activated complex to product : [ES]  E + P]
Q. 7. A small amount of silica gel and a small amount of anhydrous calcium chlo-
ride are placed separately in two beakers containing water vapour. Name
the phenomenon that takes place in both the beakers.
[Hint : Silica gel : Adsorption, Anhydrous CaCl2 : Absorption, as it forms Ca-
Cl2.2H2O]
Q. 8. Write the differences between adsorption and absorption.
[Hint : Adsorption is surface, while absorption is bulk phenomenon.]
Q. 9. How can physisorption be distinguished from chemisorptions ?
[Hint : Physisorption arises because of van der Waal’s forces, not speci c and
reversible while chemisorptions is caused by chemical bond formation, highly
speci c and irreversible.]
Q. 10. Classify the following reactions as homogeneous and heterogeneous
catalysis :

(a) Vegetable oil (l) + H2 (g) 

 Vegetable ghee (s)

(b) C12H22O11 (aq) + H2O (l)  C6H12O6 (aq) + C6H12O6 (aq)
[Hint : (a) : Heterogeneous catalysis
(b) : Homogeneous catalysis
Q. 11. In what ways these are different : (a) a sol and a gel (b) a gel and an
emulsion ?
[Hint :
(a) For a sol : Dispersed phase : Solid, Dispersion medium : Liquid
For a gel : Dispersed phase : Liquid, Dispersion medium : Solid
(b) For a gel : Dispersed phase : Liquid, Dispersion medium : Solid
For an emulsion : Dispersed phase : Liquid, Dispersion medium : Liquid]
Q. 12. State ‘Hardy Schulze Rule’ with one example.
[Hint : It states that greater the valency of the occulating ion of the electrolyte,
the faster is the coagulation.]
 8 | Chemistry-XII

Q. 13. What is an emulsifying agent ? What role does it play in forming an

emulsion ?
[Hint : Those agents which stabilize emulsions. It acts as binding agent between
two immiscible liquid phases.]
Q. 14. De ne the terms :
(a) Helmholtz electrical double layer
(b) Zeta potential
[Hint : (a) The combination of the two layers of opposite charges around the
colloidal particles. E.g., AgI/I K+.
(b) The potential difference between the xed layer and diffused layer of
opposite charges is called zeta potential.]
Q. 15. A graph between x/m and log p is a straight line at an angle of 45º with in-
tercept on the y-axis i.e., (log k) equal to 0.3010. Calculate the amount of the
gas absorbed per gram of the adsorbent under a pressure of 0.5 atmosphere.
 
 
 
      
 
 
      
 
Q. 16. Mention the two necessary conditions for the observation of Tyndall effect.
[Hint : (a) The size of dispersed phase particles is not much smaller the
wavelength of light used.
(b) The refractive indices of the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium
differ greatly in magnitude.]
Q. 17. Account for the following :
(a) Arti cial rain can be caused by spraying electri ed sand on the clouds.
(b) Electrical precipitation of smoke.
Q. 18. Write chemical equations for the preparation of sols :
(a) Gold sol by reduction
(b) Hydrated ferric oxide sol by hydrolysis.

[Hint : (a) 2AuCl3 + 3SnCl2 

 2Au (sol) + 3SnCl
4

(b) FeCl3 + 3H2O 

 Fe(OH) (sol) (Or Fe O .xH O) + 3HCl]
3 2 3 2
 Surface Chemistry | 9
Q. 19. How can the two emulsions can be distinguished :
(a) oil in water type (o/w) and
(b) water in oil type (w/o)
[Hint : (a) By dilution test
(b) By dye test]
Q. 20. Leather gets hardened after tanning. Why ?
Ans. Animal hide is colloidal in nature and has positively charged particles. When it
is soaked in tanning which has negatively charged colloidal particles, it results in
mutual coagulation. This results in the hardening of leather.
Q. 21. Why are some medicines more effective in the colloidal form ?
Ans. Medicines are more effective in the colloidal form because of large surface area
and are easily assimilated in this form.
Q. 22. What happens when dialysis is prolonged ?
Ans. When dialysis is prolonged the traces of electrolyte which stabilies the colloids
are removed completely. This makes the colloid unstable and therefore coagula-
tion takes place.
SHORT ANSWER-II TYPE QUESTIONS (3 Marks)
Q. 1. Write the difference between :
(a) catalysts and enzymes
(b) promoters and poisons
[Hint : (a) Catalyst is a substance that alters the rate of reaction without con-
suming itself in the reaction. Ezymes are biocatalysts, they are highly speci c
than catalysts.
(b) Promoters enhance the activity of a catalyst while poisons decrease the
activity of catalysts.]
Q. 2. Write the steps of ‘Modern Adsorption Theory of Heterogenous Catalysis’.
[Hint : (a) Diffusion and adsorption of reactant molecules on the surface of
catalyst.
(b) Formation of intermediate on the surface of catalyst.
(c) Desorption of the products from catalysts surface.
(d) Diffusion of products away from the catalyst surface.]
 10 | Chemistry-XII
Q. 3. Mention two important features of solid catalysts and explain them with the
help of suitable examples.
[Hint : Heterogeneous catalyst, activity and selectivity of catalysts. Example,
Hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons in presence of Raney Ni or any oth-
er example.]
Q. 4. How are the following colloids different from each other in respect of dis-
persion medium and dispersed medium ? Give one example of each type.
(a) An aerosol (b) A hydrosol (c) An emulsion
[Hint : D.P. D.M. Example
(a) Solid/liquid Gas Smoke, dust, fog, cloud
(b) Solid Water Muddy water
(c) Liquid Liquid Milk, hair cream]
Q. 5. What happens :
(a) By persistent dialysis of a sol.
(b) When river water meets the sea water.
(c) When alum is applied on cuts during bleeding.
[Hint : (a) Coagulation of sol takes place.
(b) Delta formation takes place due to coagulation of river water.
(c) Clot is formed due to coagulation of blood which stops further
bleeding.]
Q. 6. Distinguish between multimolecular, macromolecular and associated col-
loids with the help of one example of each.
[Hint : (i) Multimolecular colloids formed by aggregation of small atoms or
molecules. Example, gold sol, sulphur sol.
(ii) Macromolecular colloids formed by dispersing macromolecules having
colloidal size in proper dispersion medium. Example, protein, starch
colloid.
(iii) Associated colloids are formed by aggregation of particles at higher
concentration to colloidal range. Example, micelles.]
Q. 7. (a) Which property of colloids is responsible for the sun to look red at the
time of setting ?
(b) C2H2 on addition with H2 forms ethane in presence of palladium
catalyst but if reaction is carried in the presence of barium sulphate
and quinoline, the product is ethane and not ethane. Why ?
 Surface Chemistry | 11

Ans. (a) Sun is at horizon and blue part of the light is scattered away by the dust
particles as light has to travel a long distance through the atmosphere.

(b)
     

  
 

(BaSO4 in presence of quinoline act as poison. The catalyst in this case is not
effective in further reduction.)

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)

Q. 1. Describe some features of catalysis by Zeolites.
Ans. Features of catalysis by Zeolites :
(i) Zeolites are hydrated alumino silicates which have a three dimensional
network structure containing water molecules in their pores.
(ii) To use them as catalysts, they are heated so that water of hydration present
in the pores is lost and the pores become vacant.
(iii) The size of the pores varies from 260 to 740 pm. Thus, only those molecules
can be adsorbed in these pores and catalyzed whose size is small enough to
enter these pores. Hence, they act as molecular sieves or shape selective
catalysts.
An important catalyst used in petroleum industries is ZSM-5. It converts alco-
hols into petrol by rst dehydrating them to form a mixture of hydrocarbons.


Q. 2. Comment on the statement that “colloid is not a substance but state of a

substance.”
Ans. The given statement is true. This is because the statement may exist as a colloid
under certain conditions and as a crystalloid under certain other conditions. E.g.,
NaCl in water behaves as a crystalloid while in benzene, behaves as a colloid
(called associated colloid). It is the size of the particles which matters i.e., the
state in which the substance exist. If the size of the particles lies in the range 1
nm to 1000 nm it is in the colloid state.
Q. 4. Write short notes on the following :
(a) Tyndall Effect
(b) Brownian Movement
(c) Hardy Schulze Rule
Ans. (a) Tyndall Effect : Scattering of light by colloidal particles by which part of
beam becomes clearly visible. This effect is known as tyndall effect.
 12 | Chemistry-XII
(b) Brownian Movement : Zig-zag motion of colloidal particles.
(c) Hardy Schulze Rule : Coagulating value of a coagulating ion is directly
proportional to the charge on the ion.
E.g., Na+ < Ca++ < Al3+ For negatively charged sol
Cl < CO23 < PO34 < [Fe(CN)6] 4 For positive sol

MATCHING TYPE

Match the items of Column I and Column II in the following questions :

Q. 1. Method of formation of solution is given in Column I. Match it with the type of
solution given in Column II.
Column I Column II
(i) Sulphur vapours passed through (a) Normal electrolyte solution
cold water
(ii) Soap mixed with water above (b) Molecular colloids
critical micelle concentration
(iii) White of egg whipped with water (c) Associated colloid
(iv) Soap mixed with water below (d) Macro molecular colloids
critical micelle concentration
Q. 2. Match the statement given in Column I with the phenomenon given in Column
II.
Column I Column II
(i) Dispersion medium moves in an (a) Osmosis
electric eld
(ii) Solvent molecules pass through semi (b) Electrophoresis
permeable membrane towards solvent side
(iii) Movement of charged colloidal particles (c) Electro osmosis
under the in uence of applied electric potential
towards oppositely charged electrodes
(iv) Solvent molecules pass through semi permeable (d) Reverse osmosis
membranes towards solution side
 Surface Chemistry | 13

Q. 3. Match the items given in Column I and Column II.

Column I Column II
(i) Protective colloid (a) FeCl3 + NaOH
(ii) Liquid-liquid colloid (b) Lyophilic colloids
(iii) Positively charged colloid (c) Emulsion
(iv) Negatively charged colloid (d) FeCl3 + hot water
Q. 4. Match the types of colloidal systems given in Column I with the name given in
Column II.
Column I Column II
(i) Solid in liquid (a) Foam
(ii) Liquid in solid (b) Sol
(iii) Liquid in liquid (c) Gel
(iv) Gas in liquid (d) Emulsion
Q. 5. Match the items of Column I and Column II.
Column I Column II
(i) Dialysis (a) Cleansing action of soap
(ii) Peptisation (b) Coagulation
(iii) Emulsi cation (c) Colloidal sol formation
(iv) Electrophoresis (d) Puri cation
Q. 6. Match the items of Column I and Column II.
Column I Column II
(i) Butter (a) Dispersion of liquid in liquid
(ii) Pumice stone (b) Dispersion of solid in liquid
(iii) Milk (c) Dispersion of gas in solid
(iv) Paints (d) Dispersion of liquid in solid

Answers
1. (i) – (b) (ii) – (c) (iii) – (d) (iv) – (a)
2. (i) – (c) (ii) – (d) (iii) – (b) (iv) – (a)
3. (i) – (b) (ii) – (c) (iii) – (d) (iv) – (a)
4. (i) – (b) (ii) – (c) (iii) – (d) (iv) – (a)
5. (i) – (d) (ii) – (c) (iii) – (a) (iv) – (b)
6. (i) – (d) (ii) – (c) (iii) – (a) (iv) – (b)
 14 | Chemistry-XII

VALUE BASED QUESTIONS (4 Marks)

Q. 1. A factory was situated very close to the residential area where Sita lived. The
smoke coming out from the chimney was causing a lot of health problems to
people living in the area. Sita and few others decided to meet the top of cials of
factory and gave idea of installing Cottrell’s smoke precipitator.
(a) Name the principle used in Cottrel precipitator.
(b) How does precipitator cause precipitation and settling of smoke particles ?
(c) What values do you attribute to Sita’s concern ?
(d) What happens when a strong beam of light is passed through the smoke ?
Q. 2. Ramesh, living in Ooty, was washing clothes in cold water during winter. He
found that the clothes were not getting clean properly. Geetu, his niece, suggest-
ed that he should wash clothes in warm water because washing of clothes with
soaps/detergents is easier in warm water than cold water.
(a) Why is it so ?
(b) Why do we get lathers easily in warm water ?
(c) De ne CMC.
(d) What values do you derive from this ?
Q. 3. Nandita observed that the barber applied alum on the face of his customer. He
also observed her mother dissolving alum to purify muddy water.
(a) Which concept of colloidal solutions is observed by Nandita ?
(b) How are deltas formed ?
(c) State Hardy Schulze Rule.
(d) Write the value associated with the observation.