Which of the following noble gases can diffuse through rubber?a)Helium...
Helium can diffuse through rubber due to its unique properties compared to other noble gases.
1. Properties of Helium:
- Helium is the lightest noble gas with atomic number 2 and atomic mass 4.
- It has the smallest atomic radius among all the noble gases.
- Helium atoms are very small in size and have low molecular weight.
- It is a nonpolar gas and does not form any chemical bonds with other elements.
2. Rubber Properties:
- Rubber is a polymer material composed of long-chain molecules.
- It is an elastomer, which means it can deform and return to its original shape when stress is applied and then released.
- Rubber is known for its high elasticity and flexibility.
- It has a dense network of cross-linked polymer chains that create small spaces or gaps called free volume.
3. Diffusion Process:
- Diffusion is the movement of gas molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- It occurs due to random molecular motion and collisions between gas molecules.
- Diffusion rate depends on several factors, including molecular size, molecular weight, and temperature.
4. Helium Diffusion through Rubber:
- Helium atoms are very small and have a low molecular weight compared to other noble gases.
- Due to their small size, helium atoms can easily pass through the free volume gaps in the rubber's polymer network.
- The small size and low molecular weight of helium allow it to diffuse more rapidly through rubber compared to other noble gases with larger atomic sizes and higher molecular weights.
5. Other Noble Gases:
- Xenon, argon, and krypton have larger atomic sizes and higher molecular weights compared to helium.
- These noble gases have more difficulty passing through the small gaps in the rubber's polymer network.
- Their larger atomic sizes and higher molecular weights result in slower diffusion rates through rubber compared to helium.
In conclusion, helium can diffuse through rubber more easily compared to other noble gases like xenon, argon, and krypton due to its small size, low molecular weight, and nonpolar nature.
Which of the following noble gases can diffuse through rubber?a)Helium...
Hydrogen is the lightest and the smallest noble gas, having an atomic number of 2. Owing to its small size and inert nature, it has the unusual property of diffusing through most commonly used laboratory materials such as rubber, glass or plastic.