Name: Types of Intermolecular Forces
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 8 min 7 s
Description: An intermolecular force mediates the interaction between molecules, including the forces of attraction or repulsion, which act between atoms and molecules.

Question

What is the difference between diffusion and effusion? Which law is applicable to the process of effusion?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between effusion and diffusion is the barrier that either exists or is absent when a certain volume of gas moves from one place to another space. However, we will look at some main differences below.

Difference Between Effusion and Diffusion

Effusion Diffusion

Effusion is said to occur when gas molecules escape through a pinhole into a vacuum. During diffusion one gas mixes with another usually by thermal random motion resulting in the collision between each other while releasing molecular energy.

Effusion in simple terms is the ability of gas to travel through a small opening. Diffusion is the ability of gases to mix with each other usually in the absence of a barrier.

Effusion occurs when the size or aperture of the hole is smaller than the mean free path of the molecules. Diffusion happens when there are no holes or if holes in the barrier are larger than the mean free path.

Effusion occurs or is facilitated by a difference of pressures. Diffusion occurs due to difference in concentrations.

What is the difference between diffusion and effusion? Which law is applicable to the process of effusion?

Chapter-Wise 3D Chemistry Videos from Dr. H.C. Srivastava ISC Nootan Chemistry Volume 1 for Class XI

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