Question

Giving suitable explanation, arrange noble gases in the increasing order of their solubility in water.

Answer 1

1. Noble gases are slightly soluble in water due to dipole-induced dipole interactions between water molecules and noble gas atoms.
2. The polar water molecules induce a dipole in noble gas atoms by attracting their electron cloud, making noble gases dissolve.
3. Larger noble gas atoms are more easily polarised because their electron clouds are less tightly held by the nucleus.
4. As atomic size increases down the group from helium to xenon, the ease of polarisation and hence solubility in water increases.
5. Therefore, the increasing order of solubility of noble gases in water is:
   Helium (He) < Neon (Ne) < Argon (Ar) < Krypton (Kr) < Xenon (Xe).