Predict the outcome of diffusion

<< Kinetic Particle Theory

 

Predict the outcome of diffusion

 

Prerequisite Knowledge

• The particles in matter are in continuous random motion.
• Diffusion is the movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration until an even distribution is obtained (dynamic equilibrium).

• Rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to its relative molecular mass i.e. heavier gases diffuse slower that lighter gases.

  
  Common mistake: in the calculation of relative molecular mass, students forget that some gases exist as diatomic molecules e.g. H₂, O₂, N₂ etc (list of common diatomic molecules)

• Rate of diffusion of a gas is directly proportional to temperature i.e. gases diffuse faster at higher temperatures.

 

Question 01

The rate of diffusion of chlorine gas and carbon dioxide gas were compared at 25 °C and 40 °C.

Which would have the slowest rate of diffusion?

Question 02

A beaker of nitrogen was inverted over a porous pot containing another gas as shown.
Which gas when present in the pot will cause the water level to rise at Y?