Question

Which of the following can result in a transition from physisorption to chemisorption?

(a) Decrease in temperature

(b) Increase in temperature

(c) Decrease in pressure

(d) Increase in surface area

The question was asked by my college director while I was bunking the class.

Question is from Surface Chemistry in division Surface Chemistry of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right answer is (b) Increase in temperature

The explanation: Physisorption occurs due to Van der Waals forces. On increasing the temperature, the adsorbate can split into atoms and form chemical bonds with the adsorbent and hence, cause chemisorption.