In this video we'll look at the solubility of gases in water. First we'll look at a diagram showing how gases like O2 and N2 dissolve in water. Next we'll look at a computer animation that shows why less gas is dissolved in water as the temperature increases.
Gases can enter water by agitation (shaking it up so it mixes and the gas can dissolve more readily due to increased surface area and mixing) or by diffusion due to the random motion of gas and liquid molecules. Either way, gases like N2 and O2 are soluble in water.
Oxygen gas is particularly important on earth. The amount of oxygen dissolved in water is necessary for aquatic creatures, like fish. As temperatures increase the amount of oxygen dissolved will decrease. This limits the amount of O2 available for aquatic life.
