HESI A2 Chemistry Related

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You contain two odorous gases in vials with porous plugs. Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B. Which observation is most likely?

  • A. You will smell Gas A before you smell Gas B.
  • B. You will smell Gas B before you smell Gas A.
  • C. You will smell Gas A but not Gas B.
  • D. You will smell Gas B but not Gas A.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. Since Gas A has twice the mass of Gas B, Gas A will effuse more slowly than Gas B. Therefore, you will likely smell Gas A before you smell Gas B as Gas A will escape and diffuse through the porous plug at a slower rate compared to Gas B. Choice A is correct because Gas A, with its higher molar mass, will take longer to effuse through the porous plug, causing you to smell it first. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the relationship between molar mass and effusion rate.