What role does adsorption play in hetero | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Surface Chemistry, Surface Chemistry NCERT Solutions

Previous / historical NCERT chapter

This chapter belongs to a previous NCERT/CBSE curriculum and is not part of the current 2026-27 chapter list. Removed in 2022-23.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Surface Chemistry. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 7:

What role does adsorption play in heterogeneous catalysis?

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 7:

What role does adsorption play in heterogeneous catalysis?

Answer:

The phenomenon of concentration of molecules of a gas or liquid at a solid surface is called adsorption.

Heterogenous catalysis is a catalysis in which the catalyst is in different physical phase from the reactant. The most important of such reactions are those in which the reactants are in the gas phase while the catalyst is a solid.

This heterogeneous catalytic action can be explained in terms of the adsorption theory. The mechanism of catalysis involves the following steps:

(i) Adsorption of reactant molecules on the catalyst surface.

(ii) Occurrence of a chemical reaction through the formation of an intermediate.

(iii) De-sorption of products from the catalyst surface.

(iv) Diffusion of products away from the catalyst surface.

(v) Diffusion of reactants to the surface of the catalyst.

The reaction occurs by the contact of reactants with the catalyst surface.The molecule of reactant (gas) are adsorbed at the catalyst surface where they form an ‘adsorption complex’. The catalyst surface behave like the surface molecules of a liquid and are not surrounded by atoms or molecules of their kind. Therefore, they have unbalanced  or residual attractive forces (Vander waal’s forces) on the surface which can hold adsorbate particles.As the concentration of reactants on the surface of the catalyst increases, the rate of reaction also increases. In such reactions, the products have very less affinity for the catalyst and are quickly desorbed, thereby making the surface free for other reactants.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Surface Chemistry.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

It’s not about starting over if you took a break to care for children, take care of yourself, be healthy or for any other reason. This is a realistic strategy for the recovery of skills, selection of the right job, and overcoming the resume problem. One year, three years or 10 years of a career … Read more

Read More

Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

There’s no need to score 95% or achieve a JEE/NEET rank. You don’t need to score 95% or rank in JEE/NEET to build a solid career. A candid and pragmatic guide to the routes that actually work for students who have an average mark and what to do when faced with the options. ​ If … Read more

Read More

Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

AI tools, online platforms that are much cheaper than coaching centres and the changing idea of what “structure” even means have upended this argument more in the past two years than in the decade preceding it. Here’s what is really the case for 2026 – and what has actually stayed the same. If you look … Read more

Read More

Career Change After 30: How to Transition from Non-Tech to IT or Data Science

Starting to make a new career after 30 isn’t a start from scratch. Marketing, teaching, financial, retail, healthcare, sales and other professionals can pursue careers in technology by applying the existing knowledge and skills they have acquired to new technology skills. There are various ways to enter the technology industry, such as in IT support, … Read more

Read More

Related Student Tools

Comments

  • Neil
  • Mar 09, 2019

Nice answer . To the point , not too big not too small . Keep up the good work guys


  • Shivanshu sahu
  • Feb 18, 2018

I love you webside it has each and every ans which we want i like it


  • Kaku
  • May 12, 2017

Too long😥


  • KEVIN OMONDI
  • Dec 08, 2015

i like it


  • KEVIN OMONDI
  • Dec 08, 2015

program is very interesting


Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 7: What role does adsorption play in heterogeneous catalysis?....

Ask a Question
Keep learning

Discover More on SaralStudy

Explore all articles