What gases are not able to be collected over water due to their solubility?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying which gases cannot be collected over water due to their solubility. Participants explore the solubility of various gases in water, considering factors such as polarity and intermolecular interactions. The context is primarily homework-related, focusing on a laboratory setup for gas collection.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that methane (CH4) is definitely not soluble in water due to its organic nature.
  • Another participant notes that all gases have some level of solubility in water, highlighting that certain gases will have stronger interactions with water molecules.
  • A participant discusses the polarity of gases, suggesting that while both nitrogen monoxide (NO) and ammonia (NH3) are polar, ammonia may be more soluble due to its stronger polarity.
  • There is a suggestion that hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in determining solubility, indicating that it is not solely about polarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which gases can or cannot be collected over water, as multiple competing views regarding solubility and intermolecular interactions remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific solubility characteristics of the gases listed, and there are unresolved discussions about the implications of polarity and hydrogen bonding on solubility.

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Homework Statement


In a proper laboratory setup for collecting a gas by water displacement, which of these gases could NOT be collected over H2O because of its solubility?

A. CO2
B. NO
C. O2
D. NH3
E. CH4

Homework Equations


-

The Attempt at a Solution


I know E is definitely wrong because its organic so its insoluble in water. Water is polar so polar gases should be soluble in it, B and D are polar. Also carbon dioxide should be soluble in water because CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3. This gives me 3 gases that will be be able to be collected over water but there should only be one.

Thanks!
 
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All gasses are soluble to some extent in liquid water, but one of these molecules in particular will have very strong interactions with water molecules. Think of the potential intermolecular interactions each of these molecules would form with water.
 
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Both B and D are polar but B has less difference in electronegativity so D would be the most polar so most soluble, right?
 
Again: think of intermolecular interactions. Just being polar is not everything.
 
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Hydrogen bonding!
 
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