To verify the Freundlich adsorption isotherm for a given gas-solid system, a graph of is plotted on — Surface Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
To verify the Freundlich adsorption isotherm for a given gas-solid system, a graph of $\log(x/m)$ is plotted on the y-axis against $\log p$ on the x-axis. If the experimental plot yields a straight line with a slope strictly equal to zero, what can be conclusively deduced about the state of the adsorption system?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The slope of the logarithmic Freundlich plot is $1/n$. If the slope is exactly zero, then $1/n = 0$. Consequently, $\frac{x}{m} = kp^0 = k$. This implies the extent of adsorption is constant and completely independent of any further increase in pressure, which is the definition of achieving a saturated monolayer (high-pressure regime).