Question

Assertion (A): Finely divided charcoal can act as an adsorbent.
Reason (R): Finely divided material has small surface area.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect.
• D. (A) is incorrect but (R) is correct.

Hint:

Adsorption is a surface phenomenon. Greater the surface area of the adsorbent, greater is its adsorption capacity. Finely divided solids such as activated charcoal are excellent adsorbents because of their very large surface area.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Evaluate the Assertion.
Finely divided charcoal has a very large surface area due to its porous structure. Adsorption is a surface phenomenon, so larger surface area means higher adsorbing capacity. Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Evaluate the Reason.
The Reason states that finely divided material has small surface area -- this is the opposite of the truth. Finely divided material has a large surface area. So the Reason (R) is incorrect. \[ oxed{(A) ext{ is correct but } (R) ext{ is incorrect}} \]