Skip to main content
Ch.13 - Properties of Solutions
Chapter 13, Problem 94b

The presence of the radioactive gas radon (Rn) in well water presents a possible health hazard in parts of the United States. (b) A sample consisting of various gases contains 3.5 × 10-6 mole fraction of radon. This gas at a total pressure of 32 atm is shaken with water at 30 °C. Calculate the molar concentration of radon in the water.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given information: the mole fraction of radon in the gas mixture is 3.5 × 10^{-6}, the total pressure of the gas is 32 atm, and the temperature is 30 °C.
Use Henry's Law to relate the concentration of a gas in a liquid to its partial pressure above the liquid. Henry's Law is given by: C = k_H * P, where C is the concentration of the gas in the liquid, k_H is Henry's Law constant for the gas at a specific temperature, and P is the partial pressure of the gas.
Calculate the partial pressure of radon using its mole fraction and the total pressure: P_{Rn} = (mole fraction of Rn) * (total pressure) = 3.5 × 10^{-6} * 32 atm.
Find the value of Henry's Law constant (k_H) for radon at 30 °C from a reliable source or table, as it is specific to each gas and temperature.
Substitute the values of k_H and P_{Rn} into Henry's Law equation to find the molar concentration of radon in the water: C = k_H * P_{Rn}.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?