Chapter 19, Problem 8TE

Why does oxygen have such a low solubility in water?

To determine

The reason for low solubility of oxygen in water.

Answer to Problem 8TE

The oxygen has low solubility because of the weak interaction between oxygen molecule and water molecule.

Explanation of Solution

The ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent is termed as solubility. It depends on the attractions between solute particles and solvent.

The oxygen has low solubility in water. It is because the interaction between the oxygen molecule and the water molecule is dipole-induced dipole interaction. The dipole-induced dipole interaction is weak.

The interaction between the water molecule is strong. The weak dipole-induced dipole interaction cannot overcome the strong interactions present between the water molecules.

Conclusion:

Therefore, oxygen has low solubility because of the weak interaction between oxygen molecule and water molecule.