Determination of Relative Rates of Diffusion of Two Imorganic Liquids

(Ammonium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid; Nitric Acid and

Ammonium Hydroxide) using Graham’s Law of Diffusion
Cristelle Angela R. Aguilar, Shenaiah Luisa S. Galanido
Physical Chemistry – PCHEM 401, Department of Food Technology, College of Education,
University of Santo Tomas
Abstract
Diffusion is the process in which a particle in a system moves from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration until a uniform concentration of particles reached throughout the system. Gases
do not have a fixed volume and shape. A gas expands spontaneously to fill its container; thus
the volume of a gas is equal to the volume of its container. In the experiment, a value 0.5683519348
was computed from HCl and NH3 which is quite lower from the theoretical value 0.683638422 having
a %Error of 16.86366411%. For the next pair of gases – HNO3 and NH3, the value computed was
0.5030408248 which is also lower from the theoretical value 0.5199907233 having a % Error of
3.259654017%. The results showed may be caused by errors in the measurement of the distance
travelled, the fitting in the glass tubing, the use of timers and the temperature of the glass tubing.
In conclusion, despite the possible sources of error, the objectives of the experiment are met. All
the data obtained are computed based on the Graham’s Law of Diffusion.
Keywords: Graham’s Law of Diffusion, Hydrochloric acid, Nitric Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide,
Relative Rates

Introduction
Gaseous particles are in a constant ammonium hydroxide was determined.
state of motion, moving at random speeds Using a long glass tubing, each solution
and in many different directions. This is was placed in a cotton then it was inserted
because of their kinetic energy at to the glass tubing on both sides.
temperatures above absolute zero, all
particles undergo diffusion. Diffusion
refers to the process of particles moving
from an area of high concentration to one of
low concentration. Thru this, a Scottish Figure 1. Setup for the determination of
Chemist Thomas Graham was able to come diffusion of gases
up with the Graham’s Law which states that
the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely
proportional to the square root of the mass Hydrochloric acid which is also
of its particles. It can be written as: known as Muriatic acid is a colorless
watery liquid with a sharp, irritating odor. It
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐴 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝐵
=√ has the chemical structure with the
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐵 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝐴 formula HCl Its molecular weight is
36.46g/mol and has the boiling point of
The substance with the lighter 108.6°C. It is the major component of
molecular mass passes through more gastric acid and of wide industrial use and
rapidly when compared to the substance must be handled with appropriate safety
with the heavier molecular mass.
In this experiment, the rate of
diffusion between two organic liquid which
is hydrochloric acid and nitric acid with
precautions because it is a highly corrosive
liquid.
Figure 2. Chemical Structure of Hydrochloric
Acid
Nitric Acid is a nitrogen oxoacid of
formula HNO3 in which the nitrogen atom
is bonded to a hydroxy group and by
equivalent bonds to the remaining
two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless aqueous
solution having a molecular weight of
35.046 g/mol and its boiling point is 83°C.
It is a colorless liquid that is used in the
manufacture of inorganic and organic
nitrates and nitro compounds for fertilizers,
dye intermediates, explosives, and many
different organic chemicals. It is toxic and
can cause severe burns.
Figure 3. Chemical Structure of Nitric Acid
Ammonium Hydroxide is the base
used in the experiment. It is a solution
of ammonia in water. It is a colorless
aqueous solution having a molecular weight
of 35.046 g/mol and boiling point of
24.7°C. It has a role as a food acidity
regulator. The rate of diffusion of a gas
across a permeable membrane is
determined by the chemical nature of the
membrane itself, the surface area of the
membrane, the partial pressure gradient of
the gas across the membrane, and the
thickness of the membrane.
Figure 4. Chemical Structure of
Ammonium Hydroxide
Methodology
I. Materials
The materials used in the determination
of relative rates of gas diffusion through the
use of Graham’s Law are two inorganic
liquids – Hydrochloric Acid and Nitric
Acid a highly corrosive and strong acid.
Ammonium hydroxide is a colorless
aqueous solution that may cause hazards
due to direct exposure to the liquid. It is
used as the base liquid. A long glass tubing,
Iron stand, Bunsen burner, Beaker, Ruler
and Timer.
II. Methods
The long glass tube was cleaned and
dried. The air inside was released by
passing the long glass tube through the blue
flame produced by the Bunsen burner. Both
ends of the glass tube was tightly sealed
with dry cotton. The cotton submerged in
the concentrated acid and base was inserted
in the both ends of the glass tube. On one
end, the cotton submerged in acid and on
the other end, the cotton submerged in base.
Time was recorded until a white ring
appeared on the glass tube. The distance
was measured by computing the distance
between the ends of the tube up unto the
white ring produced. Raw data was used to
compute for the Determination of Relative
Rates of Diffusion.
 Remove the air inside the glass tubing by passing it through the flame

Seal the both ends of the glass by inserting the cotton

Put on both ends the submerged cotton in acid and base

Record the time until the white ring appeared in the glass tube

Measure the distance between the ends of the tube up unto the white ring

Record the measurement

Compute for the Determination of Relative Rates of Diffusion

Figure 5. Procedure on the Determination of Relative Rates of Diffusion

Results and Discussion

Table 1. Computed Data Gathered in the
Determination of Relative Rates of
Diffusion of HCl & NH3 and HNO3 &
NH3
HCl and HNO3 and During the experiment, three trials
NH3 NH3 for each pair of gases was performed.
Experiment 0.56835193480.5030408248 Calculations for the relative rates of
al Value
diffusion of gases were accomplished by
Theoretical 0.68363842 0.51999072
Value 2 33 measuring the distance of gases from the
% Error 16.8636641 3.25965401 end of the cotton bud to the white ring for
1% 7% both ends and time until the formation of
white ring occurs.
In this experiment, the relative rates
of diffusion of two gases was determined. As shown in Table 1, a value
Gases consists of particles that are in 0.5683519348 was computed from HCl and
constant rapid motion, this motion causes NH3 which is quite lower from the
gases to travel across (diffuse) and theoretical value 0.683638422 having a
completely mix with each other. The rates %Error of 16.86366411%. For the next pair
of diffusion between two pairs gases of gases – HNO3 and NH3, the value
Ammonium Hydroxide vs. Nitric Acid and computed was 0.5030408248 which is also
Ammonium Hydroxide vs. Hydrochloric lower from the theoretical value
acid was performed. These gases are 0.5199907233 having a % Error of
convenient to use for such an experiment 3.259654017%. Molecular weight is how
because, when they meet, the gas is released much mass each particle has. The heavier
simultaneously at the opposite ends of a the particle, the slower it is going to move
glass tube which will result to the formation (constant temperature). Temperature
of a white smoke. affects how strong and frequent the
collisions are and molecular weight affects
the outcomes of collisions. The molecular
mass of HCl is larger than NH3 and HNO3,
therefore it moves slower. However, if the
temperature is increased, there would be
more movement and more frequently as the
kinetic energy rises as temperature
increases Diffusion rate is directly
proportional to the temperature. The higher
the temperature, the faster the diffusion.
Conclusion
The relative diffusion rates of two
gases was determined in this experiment.
Gases consist of particles that are in
constant rapid motion. This motion causes
gases to travel across space (diffuse) and
completely mix with each other. The rates
of diffusion of two pairs of gases Ammonia
vs. Hydrochloric Acid and Ammonium
Hydroxide vs. Nitric Acid was investigated.
These gases are convenient to use for such
an experiment because, when they meet, the
gas is released simultaneously at the
opposite ends of a glass tube which will
result to the formation of a white smoke.
The white ring is usually found near the gas
that has a higher molecular weight since it
diffuses slowly compared to the other and
the rate of diffusion is inversely
proportional to the square root of the
molecular mass of the gas. The purpose of
the glass tube is to eliminate air currents and
to see if the gas molecules will move on
their own.
From this, we can conclude that
from this experiment, the researchers were
able to compute and determine the relative
rate of diffusion of two pairs of inorganic
liquids. diffusion is the tendency of
molecules to move from an area of high
concentration to an area of low
concentration until the concentration is
uniform. While gases diffuse rather
quickly, liquids diffuse much more slowly.
And, the lighter the gas, the faster it
diffuses. On the other hand, solids
essentially do not diffuse. The rate of
diffusion is equal to the distance traveled
divided by the time of travel of the gas.
Recommendation
From the results gathered in the
experiment, we recommend that in order to
avoid further errors, the following factors
must be considered (1) the glass tuning
must be free from any moisture and must be
allowed to cool at room temperature. (2) A
dark background must be placed behind the
glass tubing so the formation of white ring
can bs seen clearly. (3) Proper use of timers
on both ends of glass tube to acquire more
precise and accurate results. A proper
laboratory gear e.g. mask and laboratory
gown must be worn to avoid inhaling the
fumes of volatile liquids.
References
Boundless (01 October 2019). Diffusion.
Retrieved from Boundless Biology Online:
hlips://www.boundless.com/biology/textbo
oksiboundless-biology-textbook/structure-
and-function-of-plasma-membranes-
5/passive-transport-65/diffusion-331-
11468/. 01 October 2019
Chemistry 101-Experiments. (2016). In Los
Angeles City College. Retrieved March 6,
2018, from
https://www.lacitycollege.edu/Aca mic-
Departments/Chemistry-Earth
Sciences/documents/Chemistry-101
Experiments
Documents/E05_grahamsLaw2016. df
Chemistry-Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved March
04, 2018, from
http://chemguide.blogspot.com/2010/03/gr
ahas-law-of-diffusion-and-its.html
Diffusion controlled Processes. Germany:
Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
PP.1.
Mehrer, Helmut. (2007). Diffusion in (134 𝑐𝑚)(395 𝑠)
Trial 1: (316 𝑠)(345 𝑐𝑚)
= 0.4855072464
Solids: Fundamentals Methods, Materials,
Trial 1 EV = 0.4855072464
Multiphysics Cyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 07, 2018, from
https://www.comsol.com/multiphysics/diff (195 𝑐𝑚)(280 𝑠)
usion-equation Trial 2: = 0.538493402
(258 𝑠)(393 𝑐𝑚)

Nave, R. (2008). Diffusion and Osmosis. Trial 2 EV = 0.538493402

Retrieved from https://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kinetickliffus
(220 𝑐𝑚)(284 𝑠)
Trial 3: = 0.6810551559
Appendices (278 𝑠)(330 𝑐𝑚)

Trial 3 EV = 0.6810551559
Table 2. Summarized Data of HCl & NH3 and
HNO3 & NH3 in the Determination of
Relative Rates of Diffusion

Mean:
HCl and HNO3 and NH3
NH3 Trial 1 EV + Trial 2 EV + Trial 3 EV
Experimenta 0.5683519348 0.5030408248 3
l Value 0.4855072464 + 0.538493402 + 0.6810551559
Theoretical 0.6836384 0.5199907233 = 3
Value 22
% Error 16.863664 3.259654017% 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟖𝟑𝟓𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟒𝟖
11%

Computation of HCl and NH3 for

Table 3. Summarized Raw Data of HCL
Theoretical Value
& NH3 gathered from
Determination of Graham’s Law Formula:
of Diffusion √M2 √MW of NH3
HCl and NH3 Theoretical Value = =
√M1 √MW of HCl

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 17.04 g/mol

3 =
316 s 258 s 278 s 36.46 g/mol
T1
(sec) Theoretical Value = 0.683638422
T2 395 s 280 s 284 s
(sec)
D1 134 cm 195 cm 220
cm % Error:
D2 345 cm 393 cm 330
cm % Error
theoretical value − experimental value
Computations of HCl and NH3 for =⃒ ⃒
theoretical value
Experimental Values
Formula:
Trial 1
(distance 1)(time 2) 0.683638422 − 0.4855072464
Experimental Value = (time 1)(distance 2) % Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.683638422
100

Trial 1 % Error = 28.98186662%

Trial 2 (180 𝑐𝑚)(190 𝑠)
Trial 2: = 0.506891952
0.683638422 − 0.538493402 (173 𝑠)(390 𝑐𝑚)
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.683638422
100 Trial 2 EV = 0.506891952

Trial 2 % Error = 21.23125549%

(175 𝑐𝑚)(196 𝑠)
Trial 3: = 0.5019389771
(175 𝑠)(395 𝑐𝑚)
Trial 3
0.683638422 − 0.6810551559 Trial 3 EV = 0.5019389771
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.683638422
100

Trial 3 % Error = 0.3778702333%

Mean Mean:
0.683638422 − 0.5683519348
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x Trial 1 EV + Trial 2 EV + Trial 3 EV
0.683638422
100 3
0.5002915452 + 0.506891952 + 0.5019389771
% Error Mean = 16.86366411% = 3

𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟑𝟎𝟒𝟎𝟖𝟐𝟒𝟖
Table x. Summarized Raw Data of HNO3
& NH3 gathered from
Computation of HNO3 and NH3 for
Determination of Graham’s Law
of Diffusion Theoretical Value
HNO3 and NH3
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Formula:

T1 (sec) 197 s 173 s 175 s √M2 √MW of NH3

Theoretical Value = =
√M1 √MW of HNO3
T2 (sec) 208 s 190 s 196 s
√17.04 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙
D1 165 cm 180 cm 175 cm = 0.5199907233
√63.02 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙
D2 350 cm 390 cm 395 cm Theoretical Value = 0.5199907233

Computations of HNO3 and NH3 for % Error:

Experimental Values
% Error
Formula: theoretical value − experimental value
=⃒ ⃒
theoretical value
(distance 1)(time 2)
Experimental Value = (time 1)(distance 2) Trial 1
0.5199907233 − 0.5002915452
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.5199907233
100
(165 𝑐𝑚)(208 𝑠)
Trial 1: (197 𝑠)(350 𝑐𝑚)
= 0.5002915452
Trial 1 % Error = 3.788371065%
Trial 1 EV = 0.5002915452
Trial 2
0.5199907233 − 0.506891952
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.5199907233
100

Trial 2 % Error = 2.51903942%

Trial 3
0.5199907233 − 0.5019389771
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.5199907233
100

Trial 3 % Error = 3.471551586%

Mean
0.5199907233 − 0.5030408248
% Error = ⃒ ⃒x
0.5199907233
100

% Error Mean = 3.259654017%