Name: Varshani Narine
Class: Grade 9A
Date: June 4th, 2025
Lab#:2
Title: Diffusion
Aim: To investigate the rate of diffusion of gases
Material/Apparatus:
1. Concentrated Ammonia Solution
2. Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
3. Distilled water
4. Glass Tube
5. 4 Cotton balls
6. 2 stoppers
7. 3 100ml beaker
8. Universal indicator strip
9. Stirring rod
10. Ruler
11. Scissors
12. Wash bottle
13. Stopwatch
Method:
1. A length of universal indicator paper was measured and cut to run along the length of
the glass tube.
2. Using a pencil and ruler, 2 cm intervals were marked along the strip of universal
indicator paper.
3. The strip of universal indicator paper was slightly moistened using distilled water and
was run along the inside length of the glass tube.
4. A cotton ball was saturated using concentrated ammonia solution and another using
concentrated hydrochloric acid. One of the two saturated cotton balls was placed on
either end of the glass tube and stoppered immediately, simultaneously starting the
stopwatch.
5. The time taken for the universal indicator paper to change colour from both ends of
the glass tube toward the location where a white ring formed was measured.
6. All data were recorded in a suitable table.
Data Analysis:
1. Define diffusion
Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of molecules or ions from an area of higher
concentration to an area of lower concentration, driven by their random motion. This
process continues until the concentration is uniform throughout the system.
2. Why do particles diffuse (Mechanism)?
Particles diffuse or spread out, due to the random thermal motion of molecules and the
natural tendency of systems to move toward equilibrium. In liquids and gases, molecules
are constantly in motion because of their kinetic energy, colliding with each other and
changing direction randomly. When there is a concentration gradient, meaning more
particles are present in one area than another, this random movement causes a net
movement from the area of higher concentration to the area of lower concentration. This
process occurs spontaneously, without the need for external energy. Over time, the
concentration becomes uniform throughout the system, and the particles reach a state of
equilibrium, where there is no net movement, even though individual particles continue to
move.
3. Plot a graph on the same axes of distance travelled versus time taken for both
ammonia gas and hydrogen chloride.
4. Use the graph to complete the table below.
Gas Time taken for gas to diffuse to every 2 cm
interval
(s)
2 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 24
Ammoni
a
Hydroge
n
chloride
5. Comment on the trends observed in the graph.
The trends displayed in the graph indicate that ammonia particles diffuse through the air
much more quickly than hydrogen chloride particles.
6. Determine the rate of diffusion (gradient of the graph).
7. Which gas diffused faster and why?
Ammonium chloride forms closer to the cotton wool soaked in hydrochloric acid because
ammonia (NH₃) diffuses more rapidly than hydrogen chloride (HCl). This is due to ammonia
molecules being lighter than hydrogen chloride molecules, enabling them to travel a greater
distance before reacting.
8. Write a balanced chemical equation for the formation of the product that causes the
white ring to appear.
NH3(g) + HCI(g) NH4Cl(s)
Ammonium + hydrochloride ammonium chloride
9. What is the name of this product?
The name of the product is Ammonium Chloride.
Sources of Errors:
1. Uneven Cotton Placement: Incorrect or inconsistent placement of the cotton wool
soaked in ammonia (NH₃) or hydrochloric acid (HCl) can alter the diffusion distances
of the gases.
2. Uncalibrated Equipment: Measuring instruments that are not properly calibrated may
lead to inaccurate readings.
Limitations:
1. Environmental Conditions: Variables such as temperature, humidity, and air currents
can influence the diffusion rates.
2. Limited Application: The experiment primarily demonstrates gas diffusion and does
not account for diffusion in liquids or solids.
Precautions:
1. Wear protective equipment: Use safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat to prevent
contact with harmful chemicals.
2. Handle chemicals carefully: Ammonia and hydrochloric acid are both corrosive and
produce irritating fumes; handle them in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
Conclusion:
The formation of ammonium chloride occurs closer to the cotton wool soaked in
hydrochloric acid because ammonia diffuses faster than hydrogen chloride.
