graham's law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “graham's law” mean?
A law of physics stating that the rate of effusion (or diffusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A law of physics stating that the rate of effusion (or diffusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
The principle, discovered by Scottish chemist Thomas Graham, describing the relationship between the mass of gas molecules and their speed. In broader scientific context, it illustrates kinetic theory concepts and is used to compare the behaviour of different gases under similar conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling of 'law' and scientific terminology are identical. Potential minor pronunciation differences in the name 'Graham' (/ˈɡreɪ.əm/ vs /ˈɡræm/ or /ˈɡreɪ.əm/).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning and connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both academic scientific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “graham's law” in a Sentence
Graham's law states that...According to Graham's law, ...One can apply Graham's law to...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graham's law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data were graham's lawed to determine the unknown gas's molar mass.
- You can graham's law the effusion rates if you know the molar masses.
American English
- We graham's lawed the experimental results to identify the gas.
- The process of graham's lawing is straightforward with the correct formula.
adverb
British English
- The gases behaved graham's law-ly, as predicted.
- The mixture separated graham's law-wise through the porous barrier.
American English
- The diffusion proceeded graham's law-fully, matching our model.
- The rates changed graham's law-ally with the square root of mass.
adjective
British English
- The graham's law calculation confirmed our hypothesis.
- We observed a clear graham's law relationship in the data.
American English
- The graham's law analysis was pivotal to the experiment's conclusion.
- This is a classic graham's law problem from the textbook.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry and physics textbooks, lectures, and research papers discussing gas kinetics.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, and gas dynamics for calculations involving gas mixing, separation, or leakage rates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graham's law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graham's law”
- Misspelling as 'Gram's law' or 'Graham Law' (missing apostrophe and 's').
- Using it to describe liquid diffusion, which it does not govern.
- Confusing effusion (through a tiny hole) with general diffusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was formulated by the Scottish chemist Thomas Graham in the 19th century.
No, it is a law specific to the behaviour of gases.
Effusion is the escape of gas molecules through a tiny hole into a vacuum. Diffusion is the gradual mixing of gases. Graham's law originally described effusion but is often applied to diffusion under similar conditions.
Yes, it is the name of a specific scientific law and is always capitalised.
A law of physics stating that the rate of effusion (or diffusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
Graham's law is usually technical/scientific in register.
Graham's law: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪ.əmz lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪ.əmz lɔː/ or /ˈɡræmz lɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Heavy gases move slowly; light gases zip fast. Think: Graham's law is about MASS and SPEED.
Conceptual Metaphor
GAS MOLECULES ARE RACERS: Lighter racers (gases) have a higher speed than heavier ones under the same conditions.
Practice
Quiz
Graham's law is primarily concerned with which property of gases?