Lab Gaseous Diffusion, GRAHAM’S LAW
Kinetic Molecular Theory assumes that the molecules of gases are in rapid random motion and their average
velocities are proportional to the absolute temperature. It also assumes that at the same temperature, the
average kinetic energies of the molecules of different gases are equal.
Graham’s Law of Diffusion is based on the above assumptions of Kinetic Molecular Theory. The theory can be
stated in the following form: The rates of diffusion of different gases are inversely proportional to the square
roots of their molar masses.
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It would be difficult to make experimental measurements of the velocities of individual gas molecules without
the aid of sophisticated laboratory equipment. But the relative molecular velocities of certain gases can be
compared using some very simple equipment. Problem: In this exercise you will determine the relative
molecular velocities of ammonia gas and hydrogen chloride gas. This information will be used to calculate
experimental values for (1) the ratio of the average molecular velocity of ammonia gas to that of hydrogen
chloride gas and (2) the theoretical rate of diffusion between ammonia and hydrogen chloride. Ammonia and
hydrogen chloride gases react, upon contact, to form a white cloud of microscopic particles of solid ammonium
chloride. This fact makes it fairly easy to experimentally measure the relative rates of diffusion of these gases.
This is accomplished by simultaneously introducing ammonia and hydrogen chloride gases into the opposite
ends of a glass tube and noting the time needed for the appearance of the faint white precipitate of ammonium
chloride. Experimental values for the relative rates of diffusion of NH3 and HCl through the air in the tube can
then be obtained by measuring the distance traveled by each gas and dividing by the time required for the
appearance of the ammonium chloride precipitate.
Materials
glass tubing metric ruler safety goggles
cotton balls (4) cotton swabs (4) Vis-a-vis marker
NH3 (aq) (conc.) HCl (aq) (conc.)
Procedure: EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES!!!
1. You will be using concentrated ammonia and concentrated hydrochloric acid (source of hydrogen chloride
gas) in a sealed dropper bottle. Keep these containers tightly closed when not in use. BE CERTAIN NOT TO
SWITCH THE CAPS - YOU WILL CONTAMINATE THE SOLUTIONS AND RUIN YOUR RESULTS!
2. Lay the glass tubing on the lab bench. Be sure that the tube is completely dry inside. The tubing must
remain on the table top at all times!
3. Mark the tube on one side to indicate where the Hydrochloric acid will be inserted.
4. Wrap a cotton ball around the stem of each swab. The cotton ball will be used to stopper the ends of the
tubing.
5. Place one or two drops of the hydrochloric acid on one of the swab ends. Place one or two drops of the
ammonia on the other swab. Do not touch the acid or the base! If any solution comes into contact with your
skin or clothing, immediately rinse with cold water for at least 30 seconds.
6. Simultaneously insert the moistened ends of the swabs into the ends of the glass tubing. Your results will
be off if this step is not done correctly!
7. Mark the position of the tip of each swab with the Vis-a-vis marker on the outside of the tube.
8. After several minutes, a white ring will form where the gases meet and react with each other. Mark the
position of the ring with the Vis-a-vis marker. This ring may be very difficult to see. Leaving the tube on the
black counter top will enable you to better see the ring.
9. Measure the distance traveled by each gas.
10. Carefully follow the directions of your instructor when disposing of the cotton swabs.
11. Clean the tubes according to your instructor’s directions and repeat.
12. The procedure may be repeated if you have time (you should have time for at least two trials). Take the
average of the distances for your calculations.
Calculations:
1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between Hydrochloric acid + ammonia. Start with a word
equation, then translate and balance into a complete equation.
2. Determine the experimental distance ratio. Determine the average of the distances for each gas before you
calculate the experimental value for this lab.
3. Determine the theoretical distance ratio by using Graham’s Law. Be sure to review Graham’s Law before
performing these calculations!
4. Determine the experimental error (% error).
Questions
1. Which gas will diffuse faster, oxygen (O2) or methane (CH4)? How many times faster? Show all work.
2. In an experiment similar to the one which you performed, substance X was substituted for HCl. Ammonia
was found to have a diffusion rate of 5.0 cm/minute, and substance X at a rate of 4.6 cm/minute. Calculate the
molar mass of substance X. Show all work.
