# Problem: When two cotton plugs, one moistened with ammonia and the other with hydrochloric acid, are simultaneously inserted into opposite ends of a glass tube that is 87.0 cm long, a white ring of NH4Cl forms where gaseous NH3 and gaseous HCl first come into contact. NH3 (g) + HCl(g) ⟶ NH4Cl(s) At approximately what distance from the ammonia moistened plug does this occur? (Hint: Calculate the rates of diffusion for both NH3 and HCl, and find out how much faster NH3 diffuses than HCl.)

###### FREE Expert Solution

Recall that Graham's Law of Effusion allows us to compare the rate of effusion of two gases. Graham's Law states that the rate of effusion of a gas is inversely proportional to its molar mass.

$\mathbf{rate}\mathbf{=}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{\sqrt{{\mathbf{MM}}_{\mathbf{gas}}}}$

This means that when comparing two gases:

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###### Problem Details

When two cotton plugs, one moistened with ammonia and the other with hydrochloric acid, are simultaneously inserted into opposite ends of a glass tube that is 87.0 cm long, a white ring of NH4Cl forms where gaseous NH3 and gaseous HCl first come into contact. NH3 (g) + HCl(g) ⟶ NH4Cl(s) At approximately what distance from the ammonia moistened plug does this occur? (Hint: Calculate the rates of diffusion for both NH3 and HCl, and find out how much faster NH3 diffuses than HCl.)

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

Our tutors have indicated that to solve this problem you will need to apply the Effusion concept. You can view video lessons to learn Effusion. Or if you need more Effusion practice, you can also practice Effusion practice problems.

What professor is this problem relevant for?

Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Paesani's class at UCSD.

What textbook is this problem found in?

Our data indicates that this problem or a close variation was asked in Chemistry - OpenStax 2015th Edition. You can also practice Chemistry - OpenStax 2015th Edition practice problems.