graham's law of diffusion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist/Scientific)Technical/Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “graham's law of diffusion” mean?
A scientific principle in chemistry and physics stating that the rate of diffusion (or effusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scientific principle in chemistry and physics stating that the rate of diffusion (or effusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
A fundamental law in gas kinetics named after Thomas Graham (1805–1869), used to compare the relative rates at which different gases diffuse under the same conditions of temperature and pressure. It also applies to effusion, the process by which gas escapes through a tiny hole.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling of 'diffusion' and other related terms is consistent. Both regions use the possessive 's (Graham's).
Connotations
Purely technical and scientific, with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both regions, encountered only in relevant scientific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “graham's law of diffusion” in a Sentence
[Subject] obeys Graham's law of diffusion.Graham's law of diffusion states that [clause].According to Graham's law of diffusion, [result].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graham's law of diffusion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Graham's law calculation was central to the experiment.
- We observed a Graham's law relationship in the data.
American English
- The Graham's law calculation was central to the experiment.
- We observed a Graham's law relationship in the data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, physics, or chemical engineering textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in laboratory discussions, scientific calculations, and technical documentation involving gas properties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graham's law of diffusion”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graham's law of diffusion”
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'graham's law'.
- Omitting the possessive: 'Graham law'.
- Confusing it with other gas laws like Boyle's or Charles's law.
- Misstating the relationship as directly proportional.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was formulated by the Scottish chemist Thomas Graham, who published his findings on gas diffusion in the 1830s.
No, it is specifically a law for gases. Diffusion in liquids and solids follows different, more complex mechanisms.
Diffusion is the broader mixing of gases. Effusion is a specific type of diffusion where a gas escapes through a pinhole into a vacuum. Graham's law accurately describes both processes.
It is most accurate for ideal gases at low pressures and with similar intermolecular forces. It may be less accurate for real gases under high pressure or when gas molecules differ greatly in size and shape.
A scientific principle in chemistry and physics stating that the rate of diffusion (or effusion) of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass.
Graham's law of diffusion is usually technical/scientific, academic in register.
Graham's law of diffusion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪ.əmz lɔː əv dɪˈfjuː.ʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪ.əmz lɔː əv dɪˈfjuː.ʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
**Light gases are fast movers:** Think of 'Graham' as a cracker (light and airy). Lighter crackers crumble and spread (diffuse) faster than a dense fruitcake (heavier molar mass).
Conceptual Metaphor
A RACING METAPHOR: Gases are like runners of different weights; the lighter runner (lower molar mass) always wins the diffusion race.
Practice
Quiz
What does Graham's law of diffusion primarily relate?