Question

Explain why?

Why the funnel arrangement is used in the preparation of hydrochloric acid.

Answer 1

The inverted funnel arrangement is used to prevent the back-suction of water into the hot reaction flask. Because hydrogen chloride gas is highly soluble in water, it dissolves faster than it is produced. This creates a sudden vacuum inside the tube, pulling water backward. The funnel provides a large surface area that prevents this back-suction and allows for smooth absorption of the gas.