Question

At 333 k, which of the pairs of gases below would have the most nearly identical rates of effusion?

a. n2 and o2
b. n2o and no2
c. co and co2
d. no2 and n2o4
e. co and n2

Answer 1

e. co and n2Effusion is the process where gas escapes through a hole. Gases with a lower molecular mass effuse more speedy than gases with a higher molecular mass. Relative rates of effusion is related to the molecular mass.
a) M(N₂)/M(O₂) = 28/32 = 0,875
b) M(N₂O)/M(NO₂) = 44/46 = 0,956
c) M(CO)/M(CO₂) = 28/44 = 0,636
d) M(NO₂)/M(N₂O₂) = 44/58= 0,758
e) M(CO)/M(N₂) = 28/28 = 1, CO and N₂ have iexact molecular masses and will effuse at nearly identical rates.