Question

Which of the following gases will be most easily absorbed by the charcoal in the gas mask?
A) ${H_2}$
B) $S{O_2}$
C) ${N_2}$
D) ${O_2}$

Answer 1

First we should know about the process i.e., adsorption. Adsorption is the surface phenomena in which accumulation of the substance takes place in the higher concentration. The substance that adsorbed is called adsorbate and the surface on which it gets adsorbed is called adsorbent.

Complete answer:
Activated powdered charcoal is a form of carbon. It is developed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area of charcoal available for adsorption. Charcoals used in gas masks are unveiled to the atmospheric air so that its surface can absorb gas and water vapors. Generally, easily liquefiable gases are: $C{O_{2,}}C{l_2},S{O_2}$. These gases are absorbed more than the permanent gases such as ${H_2},{O_2},{N_2}$. Absorption depends on the critical temperature. Gases which have more critical temperature are absorbed more.
Critical temperature of:
${H_2}$ is: 33K
$S{O_2}$ is: 630 K
${N_2}$ is: 126.2 K
${O_2}$ is: 154.6 K
Here ${H_2}$ has least critical temperature. Thus, this gas is difficult to absorb.
$S{O_2}$ has the highest critical temperature, it will be easily absorbed.
Therefore, out of all the four options, $S{O_2}$ will be most easily absorbed.

Thus, the correct answer is option B. i.e.$S{O_2}$.

Note: The critical temperature is also related to molar mass and by the calculation of molar mass we can find that the gas that has higher molar mass, its critical temperature is high. $S{O_2}$ comes in the atmospheric air mainly from copper smelting, oil at power plants, burning of charcoal. It can also be released to the air from volcanic eruptions. Taste of Sulfur dioxide is bitter. It has a suffocating odor. It may irritate the eyes.