A sample of oxygen is expected to diffuse ______ than chlorine gas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Graham's law of effusion states that the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since oxygen (O2, molar mass ≈ 32 g/mol) is lighter than chlorine (Cl2, molar mass ≈ 71 g/mol), it will diffuse faster. The square root of the ratio of their molar masses (sqrt(71/32)) is approximately 1.5, meaning oxygen will diffuse 1.5 times faster than chlorine.

A Sample of Oxygen Is Expected to Diffuse ______ Than