The Solubility of Gases in Water

In describing the properties of substances, particular attention should be paid to their relation to water as a solvent. It is well known that water dissolves many substances, salt, sugar, alcohol, and a number of other substances dissolve in water and form homogenous liquids with it. To demonstrate the solubility of gases in water, a gas should be taken which has a high coefficient of solubility, for instance ammonia. This is introduced into a bell jar or cylinder previously filled with mercury and stands in a mercury bath. If water be then introduced into the cylinder, the mercury will rise, owing to the water dissolving the ammonia gas. The force acting in this dissolution is rendered evident.