DIFFUSION AND

EFFUSION
What’s the difference?
 Diffusion
 Gradual mixing of two gases.

 Effusion
 Process where gas particles inside a closed
container escape through a small opening.
Rates
 Depends on the speed of a gas molecule.
 The speed of a gas molecule varies with
the mass
 Lighter molecules move faster that heavier
molecules (at the same temperature)
Graham’s Law of Effusion
 Rates of effusion of gases (at the same T
and P) are inversely proportional to the
square root of their molar masses.
Compare the rates of effusion of H 2 and
O2 at the same temperature and pressure.
A sample of H 2 effuses through a porous container
about 9 times faster than an unknown gas.
Estimate the molar mass of the unknown gas.