Question

Discuss the following property with reference to noble gases:

Solubility in water

Answer 1

1. Noble gases are slightly soluble in water, with solubility increasing down the group from helium to xenon.
2. Helium is the least soluble due to its small atomic size.
3. Solubility occurs because water molecules induce dipoles in noble gas atoms, causing weak electrostatic attraction.
4. Larger noble gas atoms are more easily polarized, increasing their solubility.
5. This dipole-induced dipole interaction explains the low but measurable solubility of noble gases in water.