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  • Gas Diffusion: How Particle Weight Affects Speed & Rate
    No, lighter gas particles diffuse more rapidly than heavier gas particles. Here's why:

    * Kinetic Molecular Theory: This theory states that gas particles are in constant random motion. The average kinetic energy of these particles is directly proportional to the absolute temperature.

    * Average Speed: Lighter particles, at the same temperature, have a higher average speed than heavier particles. This is because kinetic energy (KE) is given by KE = 1/2 * mv², where m is mass and v is velocity. For the same KE, a lighter particle must have a higher velocity.

    * Diffusion: Diffusion is the process of particles spreading out from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. The faster the particles are moving, the quicker they will spread out.

    Therefore, lighter gas particles diffuse faster due to their higher average speed.

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