Which of the following gases will diffuse most rapidly? [H = 1.00, C = 12.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.0, Cl = 35.5]

Which of the following gases will diffuse most rapidly?

[H = 1.00, C = 12.0, O = 16.0, S = 32.0, Cl = 35.5]

Answer Details

The rate of diffusion of gases is inversely proportional to their molar mass. Therefore, the gas with the lowest molar mass will diffuse the most rapidly. The molar mass of each gas is: - Cl₂: 2 x 35.5 = 71.0 g/mol - SO₂: 32.0 + 2 x 16.0 = 64.0 g/mol - CH₄: 12.0 + 4 x 1.0 = 16.0 g/mol - C₂H₆: 2 x 12.0 + 6 x 1.0 = 30.0 g/mol Therefore, methane (CH₄) has the lowest molar mass and will diffuse most rapidly among the given options.