Question

Which gas would have the slowest rate of diffusion, assuming that all gases are at the same temperature?

Answer 1

Answer: radon (atomic mass 222 amu

Explanation:

To calculate the rate of diffusion of gas, we use Graham's Law.

This law states that the rate of effusion or diffusion of gas is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass of the gas. The equation given by this law follows:

$\text{Rate of diffusion}\propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{\text{Molar mass of the gas}}}$

atomic mass of krypton= 83.8 amu

atomic mass of argon= 39.95 amu

atomic mass of xenon = 131.3 amu

atomic mass of radon= 222 amu

Thus as atomic mass of radon is highest, its rate of diffusion is slowest.