Which one of the following is most readily adsorbed on activated charcoal?

Options

A. `N_(2)`
B. `H_(2)`
C. `SO_(2)`
D. `O_(2)`

Answer

To determine which gas is most readily adsorbed on activated charcoal, we need to consider the nature of the gases and the characteristics of activated charcoal as an adsorbent.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Activated Charcoal**: Activated charcoal is known for its high surface area and porous structure, which makes it an excellent adsorbent. It primarily adsorbs gases through physical adsorption, which is influenced by the polarity of the molecules.

2. **Analyzing the Given Gases**: The gases provided are:
- Nitrogen (N2)
- Hydrogen (H2)
- Oxygen (O2)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

3. **Identifying Polarity**:
- N2: Non-polar
- H2: Non-polar
- O2: Non-polar
- SO2: Polar

4. **Adsorption Characteristics**:
- Polar molecules generally have stronger interactions with the surface of activated charcoal compared to non-polar molecules. This is due to the presence of dipole-dipole interactions and potential hydrogen bonding in polar molecules.
- Non-polar molecules rely on weaker London dispersion forces for adsorption.

5. **Conclusion**: Among the gases listed, SO2 is the only polar molecule. Therefore, it will be adsorbed more readily on activated charcoal compared to the non-polar gases (N2, H2, and O2).

### Final Answer:
**SO2 is the most readily adsorbed gas on activated charcoal.**

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