Effusion and diffusion are two commonly used terms in chemistry, and these two terms are nothing but two different properties of gases.
However, while studying the terms, it can get quite confusing for many who are just starting to learn about gases. They might sound similar, but diffusion and effusion are entirely different terms. They mean different things, and they cannot be used interchangeably.
Table of Contents
- What is Diffusion and Effusion?
- Difference Between Effusion and Diffusion
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Diffusion and Effusion?
Diffusion is defined as the ability of gases to mix with each other without requiring bulk motion. Effusion is also the ability of a gas to escape or travel through a small hole with a small aperture from a place of high concentration to low concentration.
In essence, diffusion and effusion are processes that happen every day in our lives. Diffusion normally occurs inside the body where exchanges of nutrients, energy, and oxygen happen within our body. It is quite important to know the differences between effusion and diffusion.
Difference Between Effusion and Diffusion
The main difference between effusion and diffusion is the barrier that either exists or is absent when a certain volume of gas moves from one place to another. However, we will look at some main differences below.
| Difference Between Effusion and Diffusion | |
|---|---|
| Effusion | Diffusion |
| Effusion is said to occur when gas molecules escape through a pinhole into a vacuum. | During diffusion, one gas mixes with another, usually by thermal random motion resulting in collisions while releasing molecular energy. |
| Effusion, in simple terms, is the ability of gas to travel through a small opening. | Diffusion is the ability of gases to mix with each other, usually without a barrier. |
| Effusion occurs when the size or aperture of the hole is smaller than the mean free path of the molecules. | Diffusion happens when there are no holes or if holes in the barrier are larger than the mean free path. |
| Effusion occurs or is facilitated by a difference in pressures. | Diffusion occurs due to differences in concentrations. |
These are some differences between effusion and diffusion. To know more about other chemistry topics, you can keep visiting BYJU’S or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What causes effusion?
Pleural effusion related conditions include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, trauma, or infection. Patients with pleural effusion can cause serious chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. Pleural effusion signs appear to subside following treatment of the underlying disorder.
What’s the difference between effusion and diffusion?
Diffusion happens as gas bubbles are spread all over a tube. Effusion happens as gas travels into an area narrower than that of the particles’ mean free path, that is, the average distance travelled between collisions. This implies that, essentially, only one particle moves through at a time.
Why diffusion is faster in gases?
Diffusion is driven by concentration differences. When chemical substances like perfume are let loose in a room, their particles mix together with air particles. Gas diffusion is rapid, as the particles in a gas move rapidly. It happens even faster in hot gases because the particles of gas move faster.
What is Graham’s law of effusion and diffusion?
Graham’s law states that the rate of effusion or diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molecular weight. Hence, the diffusion speeds of multiple gases are inversely proportional to the square roots of their mass densities.
What are examples of simple diffusion?
In the cell, water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethanol, and urea are examples of molecules that can use quick diffusion to migrate in and out of the cell membrane. They transfer the concentration gradient directly through the cell membrane without energy.
Related Links:
| Kinetic Molecular Theory Of Gases | Graham’s Law: Diffusion And Effusion |
| Natural Gas: Uses And Advantages | Differences between Vapour and Gas |
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