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According to Henry's law

The solubility of gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure i.e S=Kp

My book says that higher the value of K at a given pressure lower is the solubility of the gas in the liquid. I don't understand how. I know I am overseeing something really simple over here as all the books that I have and online websites seem to conclude the same from the given equation. A little help maybe. Thanks.

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Actually solubility $x$ is given as a function of pressure $p$ and henry's constant $K_H$: $$p=K_Hx$$

My book says that higher the value of K at a given pressure lower is the solubility of the gas in the liquid. I don't understand how.

Since at a given pressure, $p$ is constant, if you increase $K_H$, logically solubility $x$ would decrease.

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  • $\begingroup$ My book says that x is mole fraction! :( $\endgroup$
    – Karan Singh
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 15:19
  • $\begingroup$ @KaranSingh mole fraction can be treated as an indirect measure of solubility. $\endgroup$
    – RE60K
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 15:20
  • $\begingroup$ So would it be correct to say that mole fraction is directly proportional to solubility? $\endgroup$
    – Karan Singh
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 15:21
  • $\begingroup$ @KaranSingh approximately for dilute solutions. $\endgroup$
    – RE60K
    Commented Apr 21, 2015 at 15:21

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