Question

A given volume of oxygen diffuses through a hole in 8 seconds. How long will it take Sulphur dioxide (SO2) to diffuse under the same conditions? (O=16, SO2=64)

a) 16 seconds
b) 32 seconds
c) 64 seconds
d) 128 seconds

Answer 1

It would take 16 seconds for sulfur dioxide to diffuse under the same conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In gas diffusion, the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass of the gas. Since oxygen (O2) has a molar mass of 32 g/mol and sulfur dioxide (SO2) has a molar mass of 64 g/mol, the rate of diffusion of SO2 would be half that of oxygen. Therefore, it would take twice as long for sulfur dioxide to diffuse through the hole under the same conditions.

Given that it takes 8 seconds for oxygen to diffuse, it would take 16 seconds for sulfur dioxide to diffuse (option a).