chemistry hw If a molecule of H2 diffuses a speed of 340 m/s from a point source, calculate the speed that a molecule of O2 would diffuse under the same conditions for the same period of time.

Question

If a molecule of H2 diffuses a speed of 340 m/s from a point source, calculate the speed that a molecule of O2 would diffuse under the same conditions for the same period of time.

Answer 1

Graham's Law of Effusion/Diffusion

rate gas 1 / rate gas 2 = sqrt MW gas 2 / sqrt MW gas 1

rate H₂/rate O₂ = sqrt MW O₂ / sqrt MW H₂ = √ 32/2

340/rate O₂ = 4

solve for rate of O₂ and the answer will have units of m/s (note that it is slower than the rate for H₂ because O₂ is heavier than H₂)