Question

The correct order of solubility in water for is:He,Ne,Ar,Kr,Xe
A) Xe>Kr>Ar>Ne>He
B) Ar>Ne>He>Kr>Xe
C) He>Ne>Ar>Kr>Xe
D) Ne>Ar>Kr>He>Xe

Answer 1

The solubility of an element depends upon its polarity when dissolved in water. The more the size of an element the more polar that element. One can apply these concepts to the given elements and find out the correct order.

Complete step by step answer:

1. First of all we will learn what solubility means, where the solubility property of chemicals is measured in terms of the maximum amount of solute that is dissolved in a solvent at equilibrium.
2. Now the factors which will affect the solubility of an element is its size. The more the size of an element then the more will be the orbitals present in it.
3. Now due to more orbitals present in an element the more will be the polarity of that element when it is dissolved in the solvent. And the more polarity of an element will result in the more attraction between the solute molecules and the solvent molecule.
4. Hence, the intermolecular force of attraction between inert gas molecules and water molecules increases. Which will make the inert gas more soluble in water.
5. The size of the element increases with going down in a group in the periodic table. The helium atom is less in size than the neon and the size gets increasing further going down the group.
6. Hence, as per the size, the order will be Xe>Kr>Ar>Ne>He which is also the order of solubility in water which shows option A as a correct choice.
   Therefore, Option A is correct.

Note:
The solubility of the selected elements is related with respect to their positions in the periodic table. The solubility increases from up going to down the group and it decreases from left to right in a period as the size decreases from left to right.