Chapter 5, Problem 5.81P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of atoms in gaseous white phosphorus that effuses at a rate of $0.404$ times of neon is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Effusion is explained as the movement of the gas molecule through a pinhole.

Diffusion can be explained as the mixing of one gas molecule with another gas molecule by random motion.

According to Graham’s law of effusion, the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.

The mathematical expression of Graham’s law of effusion is as follows:

$\frac{{\text{Rate}}_{\text{A}}}{{\text{Rate}}_{\text{B}}}=\frac{u_{rms\text{ of A}}}{u_{rms\text{ of B}}}=\frac{\sqrt{M_{\text{B}}}}{\sqrt{M_{\text{A}}}}$

Here, $M_{\text{B}}$ is the molar mass of gas $\text{B}$.

$M_{\text{A}}$ is the molar mass of gas $\text{A}$.