ZOL2601
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Several factors influence the amount of gas that can dissolve in water. These factors
determine how easily gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide dissolve in biological
fluids.
1. Partial pressure of the gas
The amount of gas that dissolves in water increases as the partial pressure of the
gas increases. When the pressure of a gas above the liquid is higher, more gas
molecules move into the liquid until equilibrium is reached. Therefore, higher partial
pressure leads to greater gas dissolution.
2. Temperature of the liquid
Temperature has an inverse effect on the solubility of gases. As the temperature of
the liquid increases, the solubility of gases decreases. This happens because gas
molecules move more rapidly at higher temperatures and escape more easily from
the liquid.
3. Surface area of contact
The larger the surface area between the gas and the liquid, the greater the amount
of gas that can dissolve. A larger surface area allows more gas molecules to come
into contact with the liquid at the same time, which increases the rate and amount of
dissolution.
4. Nature or solubility of the gas
Different gases dissolve in water at different rates depending on their chemical
properties. Some gases, such as carbon dioxide, dissolve more easily because they
react chemically with water to form compounds like bicarbonate ions.
QUESTION 2
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Several factors influence the amount of gas that can dissolve in water. These factors
determine how easily gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide dissolve in biological
fluids.
1. Partial pressure of the gas
The amount of gas that dissolves in water increases as the partial pressure of the
gas increases. When the pressure of a gas above the liquid is higher, more gas
molecules move into the liquid until equilibrium is reached. Therefore, higher partial
pressure leads to greater gas dissolution.
2. Temperature of the liquid
Temperature has an inverse effect on the solubility of gases. As the temperature of
the liquid increases, the solubility of gases decreases. This happens because gas
molecules move more rapidly at higher temperatures and escape more easily from
the liquid.
3. Surface area of contact
The larger the surface area between the gas and the liquid, the greater the amount
of gas that can dissolve. A larger surface area allows more gas molecules to come
into contact with the liquid at the same time, which increases the rate and amount of
dissolution.
4. Nature or solubility of the gas
Different gases dissolve in water at different rates depending on their chemical
properties. Some gases, such as carbon dioxide, dissolve more easily because they
react chemically with water to form compounds like bicarbonate ions.
QUESTION 2
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
