If gas A has a molar mass of 32 g/mol and gas B has a molar mass of 64 g/mol, what is the ratio of their diffusion rates?
A. 2:1 B. 1:2 C. 1:1 D. 1:4
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
According to Graham's law of diffusion, the ratio of the diffusion rates of two gases is the inverse of the square root of the ratio of their molar masses. Therefore:
Rate of A / Rate of B = √(Molar mass of B / Molar mass of A) Rate of A / Rate of B = √(64 g/mol / 32 g/mol) = √2 = 1.41
So, the ratio of their diffusion rates is approximately 2:1.