Which gas diffuses more rapidly?

Question

Calculate the ratio of diffusion rates for ammonia (NH₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Answer 1

v1/v2 = √m2/m1

Graham's Law of Diffusion

Formula for ammonia is NH3, not NH2; molar mass = 17.03. Let ammonia be gas #1

Molar mass CO2 is 44.01. Let carbon dioxide be gas # 2.

v1/v2 = √44.01/17.03

v ammonia/velocity carbon dioxide = 1.61

Therefore, ammonia diffuses 1.61 faster than carbon dioxide.

Empirical answer: the gas with the lesser molar mass will diffuse faster.