Why do gases always tend to be less soluble in liquids as the temperature is raised?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The gases always tend to be less soluble in liquids as the temperature is raised because the equilibrium shifts in reverse direction. The dissolution is an exothermic process. Le Chatelier’s principle states that as temperature rises, gas solubility decreases, favoring an equilibrium in the opposite direction. In other words, when the temperature rises, gases always have a tendency to become less soluble in liquids.

Table of content

1. As Temperatures Rise Gases become Less Soluble in Liquids
2. Why do gases always tend to be less soluble in liquids as the temperature is raised?

As Temperatures Rise Gases become Less Soluble in Liquids

Large amounts of heat are released by gases when they dissolve in liquids, but as temperature changes, or is raised, the reaction shifts in the opposite direction and heat is used. One state of matter where particles are able to move from one direction to another and are loosely arranged is a gas.

The gases are neither fixed in shape nor have a known volume. Since particles of gases are capable of moving in any direction, they have high velocities and high kinetic energies.

When a gas dissolves in a liquid, a solution is created along with a release of heat, indicating that the process is exothermic.
Since heat is used when the temperature increases, the equilibrium of the reaction moves in the opposite direction, making gases less soluble in liquids.
Therefore, as the temperature rises, the equilibrium shifts in a different direction, making gases less soluble in liquids.