Chemistry Question: (1 Viewer)

iEatOysters

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Hello, can someone help me with this question? D:

The gas chlorine (cl2) and ammonia (NH3) are easily distinguished by their odours. If a canister of each had their tops removed, which odour would you smell first? Explain.

Thanks in advance. :D
 

madharris

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Chlorine?... i would think... because i think it's more pungent - i have no idea to be honest

what kind of question is that...
 

madharris

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While looking it up, i found this
"6. Suppose you have two vials, one containing ammonia and containing chlorine. When they are opened across the room which would you expect to smell first and why? Hint: Graham's Law of Diffusion relates velocity of molecules with molecular mass (heavier molecules move more slowly)."

this was on a chemistry uni lecture site or something...
http://boomeria.org/chemlectures/textass2/firstsemass.html
 

HSC2014

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The gas molecules that are lighter will travel faster. Since gas particles travel in arbritrary straight-line motion, they collide with eachother. Then applying Newton's second law, the lighter gas molecules will have a greater force exerted onto them by the heavier gas molecules --> travelling faster (I = ft)
a: Ammonia (lighter)

I hope I'm right :S
 
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iEatOysters

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Ooh, okay. I got that too. xD
You calculate the masses by using the atomic weight, right?
And thank you for the explanation. :D
 

Indoz

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ammonia low molecular mass, less density... so i think its ammonia
 

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