Question

Write the differences between physisorption and chemisorption with respect to the following: 

(i) Specificity

(ii) Temperature dependence

(iii) Reversibility and

(iv) Enthalpy change

Answer 1

 

S. No.	Point of difference	Physiosorption	Chemisorption
(i)	Specificity	This is not specific in nature.	This is highly specific in nature.
(ii)	Temperature dependence	Low temperature is favourable for physiosorption. It decreases with increase in temperature.	High temperature is favourable for chemisorption. It increases with the increase in temperature.
(iii)	Reversibility	This is reversible in nature.	This is irreversible in nature.
(iv)	Enthalpy change	Enthalpy of adsorption is low.	Enthalpy of adsorption is high.