Which of the following is an example of physisorption?
The adsorption of oxygen on the surface of activated charcoal
The adsorption of hydrogen on the surface of platinum
The adsorption of iodine on the surface of starch
The adsorption of nitrogen on the surface of zeolites
Physisorption, also known as physical adsorption, occurs due to weak Van der Waals forces between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. The adsorbate molecules are held on the surface of the adsorbent by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, or hydrogen bonding. The adsorption of oxygen on the surface of activated charcoal is an example of physisorption because oxygen molecules are held on the surface of the adsorbent by weak Van der Waals forces.