Answer to Question #271195 in Chemistry for Ralph

Question

1. Two bottles at the same temperature containing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) are placed at equal lengths from you and are opened at the same time. Which gas would you smell first?

Answer 1

The molar mass of H₂S is greater than the molar mass of NH₃, making the velocity and effusion rate of NH₃ particles faster.

The effusion rate is inversely proportional to molar mass.

NH₃ will have a higher average molecule velocity, so it will diffuse faster and will reach the other side of the room more quickly.