Question

Heavy water, D₂O (molar mass = 20.03 g mol–1), can be separated from ordinary water, H₂O (molar mass = 18.01), as a result of the difference in the relative rates of diffusion of the molecules in the gas phase. Calculate the relative rates of diffusion of H₂O and D₂O.

a) 20.03/18.01
b) 18.01/20.03
c) 2.00/1.00
d) 1.00/2.00

Answer 1

The relative rate of diffusion of H₂O and D₂O can be calculated using their molar masses. The correct answer is option a) 20.03/18.01.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relative rates of diffusion of H₂O and D₂O can be calculated using their molar masses. The formula to calculate the relative rate of diffusion is: diffusion rate of a compound = molar mass of another compound / molar mass of the compound in question. In this case, the molar mass of D₂O is 20.03 g/mol and the molar mass of H₂O is 18.01 g/mol. Therefore, the relative rate of diffusion of H₂O compared to D₂O is 20.03/18.01 or approximately 1.11. So, option a) 20.03/18.01 is the correct answer.