Gas Diffusion: Which Gas Will Diffuse the Fastest?

Question:

When the stopper is removed, which gas will diffuse the fastest?

Answer:

Methane (CH4) will diffuse the fastest when the stopper is removed.

The topic of gas diffusion involves the movement of different gases to uniform their concentrations due to variations in concentration. The rate of gas diffusion is influenced by the molar mass of the gas, with lighter gases diffusing faster than heavier ones.

Explanation:

Gas diffusion occurs when molecules in a gaseous state spread out throughout a container in response to differences in concentration. This process continues until an equal concentration of the gas is achieved in the area. Regions with higher concentrations have more particles, leading to a net movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

The rate of gas diffusion is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. Therefore, lighter gases will diffuse faster compared to heavier gases. In the case of the four gases in the flask - CH4, O2, C2H5, and N2 - methane (CH4) with a molar mass of approximately 16 g/mol will diffuse the fastest once the stopper is removed, as it has the lightest molar mass among the gases mentioned.

By understanding the principles of gas diffusion, we can appreciate how different gases behave and spread in various conditions. Learning about gas diffusion can help us comprehend the behavior of gases in different environments and applications.