Question

Why must a solution be cooled before adding Norit?

a) To prevent the formation of impurities
b) To increase its adsorption capacity
c) To speed up the filtration process
d) To avoid damaging the Norit

Answer 1

A solution must be cooled before adding Norit to increase its adsorption capacity, as the solubility of impurities decreases at lower temperatures, facilitating more effective adsorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why a solution must be cooled before adding Norit, which is an activated charcoal used to adsorb impurities from a solution, is to increase its adsorption capacity. By cooling the solution, the solubility of impurities in the solvent reduces, meaning that when Norit is added, it can more effectively adsorb these unwanted substances. Additionally, part of the rationale behind cooling a mixture before a process like filtration or adding adsorptive agents is related to the temperature dependence of solubility. At lower temperatures, certain substances are less soluble, and thus they can be more easily separated from the solution.