Arrange the following gases in the ascending order of adsorption on the same mass of charcoal at the same temperature and pressure;

H₂ < CH₄ <SO₂

Easily liquefiable gases (i.e., with higher critical temperatures) are readily adsorbed as van der Waals’ forces are stronger near the critical temperatures. Thus, 1g of activated charcoal adsorbs more sulphur dioxide (critical temperature 630K), than methane (critical temperature 190K) which is still more than 4.5 mL of dihydrogen (critical temperature 33K).