Question

If a molecule of CH4 diffuses a distance of 0.530 m from a point source, calculate the distance (meters) that a molecule of N2 would diffuse under the same conditions for the same period of time (1 second).

Answer 1

Explanation:

Assume the gases each diffuse in one second, in order to create a rate.

Set rate1 = N2 = x

Set rate2 = CH4 = 0.530 m/sThe molecular weight of N2 = 28.0

The molecular weight of CH4 = 16.0

Graham's Law is:

r1 over r2 = √MM2 over √MM1

Substituting, we have:

x / 0.530 = √(16.0 / 28.0)x = 0.400 m/s