NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R: Assertion A: Aquatic species are more comfortable in cold water rather than in warm water. Reason R: The value of Henry's law constant ( K_H ) for oxygen decreases with an increase in temperature. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- BBoth A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- CA is true but R is false.
- DA is false but R is true.
Correct answer
C. A is true but R is false.
Step-by-step solution
Assertion A is true because the solubility of oxygen gas in water is higher at lower temperatures, which provides more dissolved oxygen for aquatic species, making them more comfortable in cold water. According to Henry's law, p = K_H x , where p is the partial pressure of the gas, x is its mole fraction in the solution, and K_H is Henry's law constant. At a constant pressure, the solubility x is inversely proportional to K_H . Since the solubility of gases in liquids decreases with an increase in temperature, the