Question

A steel vessel contains a mixture of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and xenon gas. The partial pressure of each gas is the same. The vessel is opened for 30 seconds before being resealed. Which gas will have the highest partial pressure in the vessel after it has been resealed? Assume that at least some of all four gases is present.

Answer 1

Answer – We are given a steel vessel contains a mixture of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and xenon gas. The partial pressure of each gas is the same.

We know Graham’s Law of diffusion –

This law state that the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass. The mathematical expression of this law is,

  

Rate - VM Rate, M

This law explains as the molar mass of gas increases its diffusion rate decreased. The heavier gas diffusion lasts when there are some gases at the same partial pressure.

As the heavier gas diffusion very slowly it remainis more amount in the vessel and thus, the heavier gas has the highest partial than other gases.

The heavier gas from the given gases mixture is xenon gas since xenon gas has a higher molar mass than the remaining three gases.

Thus, Xenon gas will have the highest partial pressure in the vessel after it has been resealed