What is the Difference Between Diffusion and Effusion?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Diffusion and effusion are processes that involve the movement of gaseous atoms or molecules. They differ in the way the gases move and the barriers they encounter during their movement.
Diffusion:
- Occurs when gas molecules disperse throughout a container.
- Involves the mixing of gases without requiring bulk motion.
- The process is driven by differences in concentration, and the gaseous atoms or molecules move from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration.
- The time required for diffusion is inversely proportional to the rate of diffusion, as shown in the rate of diffusion equation.
Effusion:
- Occurs when a gas passes through an opening that is smaller than the mean free path of the particles, meaning only one particle can pass through at a time.
- Involves the escape of gas molecules through a tiny hole, such as a pinhole in a balloon, into a vacuum.
- Both diffusion and effusion rates depend on the molar mass of the gas involved, but their rates are not equal; however, the ratios of their rates are the same.
In summary, the main difference between diffusion and effusion is the barrier that either exists or is absent during the process. Diffusion involves the mixing of gases without requiring bulk motion, while effusion involves the escape of gas molecules through a small opening.
Comparative Table: Diffusion vs Effusion
Here is a table comparing the differences between diffusion and effusion:
| Feature | Diffusion | Effusion |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The ability of gases to mix with each other without requiring bulk motion. | The escape of gas molecules through a small hole (e.g., a pinhole in a balloon) into a vacuum. |
| Occurrence | Diffusion occurs when gas molecules disperse throughout a container. | Effusion occurs when a gas passes through an opening smaller than the mean free path of the particles. |
| Rate | Increased rate with increased kinetic energy and decreased rate with increased particle mass. | Increased rate with increased kinetic energy and decreased rate with increased particle mass. |
| Process | Diffusion is the spreading of molecules throughout a container. | Effusion is the escape of gas molecules through a tiny hole into an evacuated area. |
Both diffusion and effusion are processes that involve the movement of gases. However, diffusion is the mixing of gases without bulk motion, while effusion is the escape of gas molecules through a small opening.
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