What is the relative rate of diffusion of ammonia to hydrogen chloride, both in gaseous states? [closed]








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I encountered this problem during an assignment:


[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kUGsV.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kUGsV.png)


I answered it as **C**, but the assignment grader marked it as wrong and indicated that **A** is correct.


I asked another instructor about it and gave me a different answer: **D**.


I am confused on how to approach this problem given that I have received different answers from what I consider reputable sources. How do I proceed to solve this?




No answer is correct, but "**A**" is closest to the correct answer. [Heavier molecules diffuse slower than lighter ones because the same amount of thermal energy has to move more mass.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham%27s_law) However, this relation (diffusion rate is inversely proportional to the square root of molecular weight) actually leads to 44 seconds not 64. The professor who told you "**D**" probably misunderstood that in the second chamber there is HCl (acidic) instead of ammonia (basic).


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