What Is the Graham's Law Gas Effusion & Diffusion Calculator?
Graham's Law of Effusion was formulated by Scottish physical chemist Thomas Graham in 1848.
How Does the Graham's Law Gas Effusion & Diffusion Calculator Work?
At equal temperature, gases have identical average kinetic energies (0.5·m·v²). Lighter molecules must possess higher root-mean-square speeds.
Graham's Law Gas Effusion & Diffusion Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
\frac{\text{Rate}_1}{\text{Rate}_2} = \sqrt{\frac{M_2}{M_1}}
The ratio of effusion rates is equal to the square root of the inverse ratio of molecular masses.
How to Use the Graham's Law Gas Effusion & Diffusion Calculator
- Enter the molar mass of Gas 1 in g/mol.
- Enter the molar mass of Gas 2 in g/mol.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Helium vs Methane Pin-hole Effusion
Input Values:
molarMass1:4.003
molarMass2:16.04
Worked Steps: Helium (4 g/mol) effuses twice as fast (2.0×) as Methane (16 g/mol) through a pinhole.
Understanding Your Result
Relative Effusion Rate: Velocity multiplier of Gas 1 compared to Gas 2.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Molecular weight disparity.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Isotope gaseous diffusion separation (such as uranium hexafluoride enrichment) and leak detection.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Valid when orifice diameter is smaller than the mean free path of gas molecules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard kinetic molecular theory formulation.