Question
Question: \[N{H_3}\] and \[HCl\] gas are introduced simultaneously from the two ends of a long tube. A white r...
NH3 and HCl gas are introduced simultaneously from the two ends of a long tube. A white ring of NH4Cl appears first:
A.nearer to the HCl end
B.at the centre of the tube
C.throughout the tube
D.nearer to the NH3 end
Solution
First we must know that the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the molecular mass of the gas. Because, two gas NH3 and HClare diffusing with each other and forming NH4Cl white ring.
Complete step by step answer:
First we will discuss what all are the possibilities in this question.
Let’s assume we have two gasses A and B which react to give a ring (just like the question) now in case 1, if the gas A diffuses faster than gas B then the ring will form near to B. In case 2, if the rate of diffusion is same for both A and B then the ring will be formed in the centre. And In case 3, if the gas B diffuses faster than A then the ring will be formed near A.
Now, the diffusibility of a gas is inversely proportional to the molecular mass of the gas.
In case ofHCl,
The molecular mass of the gas will be 1 (atomic mass of Hydrogen) + 35.5 (atomic mass of chlorine) = 36.5 g/mol(molecular mass of HCl).
Now in case of NH3,
The molecular mass will be 14 (atomic mass of Nitrogen) + 3 X 1 (atomic mass of hydrogen is 1 and there are 3 hydrogen’s) = 17 g/mol(molecular mass ofNH3).
Since the molecular mass of HCl is more than NH3, this means that the diffusibility of NH3 is greater thanHCl. Hence, the White ring will appear nearer to the HCl.
So, the answer to this question A i.e nearer to the HCl end.
Note:
We must know that the concept of diffusibility helps us determine how fast a gas reacts with other gas as well as tell us about the speed at which it moves from one place to another. A famous example for the same is diffusion of perfume, when one spray a perfume in one corner the odour of perfume reaches the other end of the room in seconds. This can be explained using the concept of diffusibility.