Question about the
solubility of gases in water
Question: A chemistry
lab is storing several bottles of solution made by dissolving methane gas
in octane, a non-polar liquid. The lab director notices that every once
in a while, the lids from the bottles pop off because the gas that is dissolved
in the liquid escapes from solution. What can the chemist do to stop the
lids from popping off?
Answer:
The chemist can do a few things:
-
Get screw-top bottles so the tops stay on.
If the bottles are sturdy enough, the increased pressure inside the bottles
will tend to keep the methane in solution, causing the solutions to stay
stable.
-
Cool the solutions - gases are more soluble
in liquids at low temperatures. By sticking these solutions in a
refrigerator (which is often done with such solutions), the pressure inside
the bottles should be lowered.
The best solution: Do both of the above.
Either that, or make the solutions when you need to use them rather than
storing them for long periods of time.
Do you have a question for
Mr. Guch? Email him at misterguch@chemfiesta.com.