How Do You Calculate Molar Masses from Diffusion Rates and Density?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the molar masses of two gases in a mixture based on their diffusion rates and the mixture's density. The context is rooted in gas laws and diffusion principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the diffusion rates of the gases to their molar masses using the equation derived from Graham's law. Questions arise regarding the application of the ideal gas law in the context of a gas mixture.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the properties of ideal gases and how they relate to the problem. There appears to be a mix of understanding and uncertainty, with some participants questioning foundational concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses concern about their preparedness for the problem, indicating a potential gap in foundational chemistry knowledge that may affect their approach to the question.

Canuck156
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Hi, this is the question I'm having trouble with:

A gas mixture is known to contain equal numbers of moles of two gases. The mixture has a density of 1.47g/L at 1.00 atm and 298K. In a diffusion experiment, one of the gases was found to diffuse 1.25 times faster than the other under the same conditions. What are the respective molar mases of the two gases?

I've found that 1.25=\sqrt{\frac{M_B}{M_A}} Therefore 1.5625=\frac{M_B}{M_A}, where M_B is the molar mass of gas B. However, from there I have no idea where to go next. I think I'm supposed to use the ideal gas law, but I'm not sure how to apply it when there's a mixture of gases. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
 
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Nobody knows how to do this? Come on, surely someone must be able to help? :smile:
 
does the ideal gas law depend on
what those 10^23 objects are?
(an ideal gas = atoms don't interact)

so find (n_moles/V)(m/mole).
 
Oh... OK, I get it now. Thanks lightgrav. I didn't realize that that was one of the properties of an ideal gas... Maybe I shouldn't be doing University Chem without having done High School Chem first... :rolleyes:
 

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