Langmuir Isotherm

\theta = \frac{KP}{1 + KP}

Surface coverage by adsorbed molecules saturates as pressure increases.

By Irving Langmuir

Chemical Sciences

Langmuir Isotherm

1916 · Irving Langmuir

Why it matters: Foundation of catalysis, surface science, and gas sensors.

Discoverers: Irving Langmuir (1916)

What does it mean?

Surface coverage by adsorbed molecules saturates as pressure increases.

Foundation of catalysis, surface science, and gas sensors.

Symbol	Name	Unit	Meaning
$θ$	Coverage	—	Fraction of surface covered
$K$	Equilibrium constant	—	Adsorption constant
$P$	Pressure	—	Gas pressure

At high P, θ → 1 (full monolayer).

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Equation Universe

\theta = \frac{KP}{1 + KP}

Real-world impact

Heterogeneous catalysis

Foundation of catalysis, surface science, and gas sensors.

Photo: Unsplash — technology

Surface coverage by adsorbed molecules saturates as pressure increases.

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