What is the effect of temperature on the solubility of gases in liquids?

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Study for the MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Exam. Practice with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Excel in your exam and achieve your target score!

The solubility of gases in liquids is generally influenced by temperature, with an increase in temperature leading to a decrease in gas solubility. This is primarily due to the kinetic energy of gas molecules; as temperature rises, gas molecules gain more energy and are more likely to escape the liquid phase and enter the gas phase, thereby reducing the amount of gas that can dissolve in the liquid.

The relationship between temperature and gas solubility is explained by Henry's Law, which states that the concentration of a gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. As the temperature of the solution increases, the vapor pressure of the gas also increases, meaning that at higher temperatures, more gas escapes from the solution compared to lower temperatures.

This trend is commonly observed in various scenarios, such as with carbonated beverages. As these beverages warm up, they lose their fizz more rapidly because the carbon dioxide (gas) escapes from the solution more readily at higher temperatures, demonstrating the decrease in solubility with rising temperature.

The other options hint at different concepts that do not accurately reflect the general behavior of gas solubility with temperature changes. Understanding this relationship is crucial for applications across scientific disciplines, including environmental science and biology

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