Question

Silica gel is used for keeping away the moisture because it?
(A) Adsorbs water molecule
(B) Absorbs water molecule
(C) Reacts with water
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: We need to see silica gel properties. These concepts are covered in the chapter surface chemistry. It is used as a drying agent due to its specific surface area. Silica gel packets are an efficient and cost-effective way for companies to protect their products from excess moisture or spoilage.

Complete step by step answer
From the above question we can say that,
Silica gel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide(silica). Silica gel's high specific surface area (around $ 800{\text{ }}{{\text{m}}^2}/{\text{g}} $ ) allows it to adsorb water readily, making it useful as a drying agent.
So, we need to select the correct answer.
The correct answer is A.

Note
Some properties of silica gel are:
Silica gel's high specific surface area allows it to adsorb water readily, making it useful as a desiccant (drying agent). However, material silica gel removes moisture by adsorption onto the surface of its numerous pores rather than by absorption into the bulk of the gel. Since silica gel is non-toxic, odourless, and non-corrosive, it provides premium large volume desiccant dryers with lower energy costs. Compared to other desiccants, it has very stable thermal and chemical characteristics.
Inhaling crystalline silica can lead to serious, sometimes fatal illnesses including silicosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis (in those with silicosis), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses including renal disease and other cancers.
One of the dangerous effects of silica exposure is a disease called silicosis, which can be contracted after just a few months of high exposure. Silicosis occurs when silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, reducing the lungs' ability to take in oxygen.