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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Graham's Law of Effusion

The law stating that rate of effusion or diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to square root of its molar mass.

Governing formula Rate1 / Rate2 = √(M2 / M1)
SI unit mol/s or m³/s

In depth

Derived from equipartition: at same temperature, lighter molecules move faster on average ($v_{rms} ∝ 1/√{M}$) and escape pinholes faster.

Examples in the real world

Helium gas ($M=4$) effusing through a balloon latex pinhole 2.67 times faster than nitrogen gas ($M=28$).