* Gas solubility: Gases generally become less soluble in liquids as the temperature increases. This is because, at higher temperatures, the gas molecules have more kinetic energy, making them more likely to escape from the liquid phase and enter the gas phase.
* SO2 as a gas: SO2 is a gas at room temperature and pressure.
* The process: When SO2 dissolves in water, it forms a weak acid (sulfurous acid, H2SO3). This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing the temperature of an exothermic reaction will shift the equilibrium towards the reactants (SO2 and water). This means more SO2 will escape from the solution, leading to lower solubility.
In summary:
* Higher temperatures favor the escape of SO2 from the solution, reducing its solubility.
* This is due to the increased kinetic energy of the SO2 molecules and the exothermic nature of the dissolution process.
