Question

If you compare the solubilities of the noble gases in water, you nd that solubility increases from the smallest atomic weight to the largest, Ar < Kr < Xe.
Which of the following statements is the best explanation?

a) The heavier the gas, the more it sinks to the bottom of the water and leaves room for more gas molecules at the lop of
the water.
b) The heavier the gas, the more dispersion forces it has, and therefore the more attractive Interactions it has with water molecules.
c) The heavier the gas, the more likely it is to hydrogen-bond with water.
d) The heavier the gas, the more likely it is to make a saturated solution in water.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

When we compare the solubilities of the noble gases in water, then solubility increases from the smallest atomic weight to the largest, Ar < Kr < Xe. This is because more is the atomic weigh of the gas more will be the dispersion forces present in it.

As a result, it will have more number of attractive interactions with the water molecules. Therefore, more is the attraction more will be the solubility of the gas.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement heavier the gas, the more dispersion forces it has, and therefore the more attractive Interactions it has with water molecules, is the best explanation.