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Activity 2.5
Investigating diffusion – a demonstration
Skills
AO3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and
materials (including following a sequence of instructions where appropriate)
AO3.3 Make and record observations, measurements and estimates
AO3.4 Interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data

This is the classic demonstration on the diffusion of gases in which ammonia and hydrogen chloride meet in
a long tube. They react and produce a smoke ring. The demonstration shows how the progress of the gases
can be tracked using strips of indicator paper placed along the length of the tube. Measurements can be made
to give an estimate of the rate of diffusion of the two gases.
Apparatus and chemicals
glass tube (at least 50 cm long and 3 cm in diameter) 2 rubber bungs
sticky tape forceps
cotton wool, 2 pieces beakers (100 cm3) containing:
strips of blue and of red litmus paper concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl), and
teat pipettes/dropper bottles concentrated ammonia solution (NH3)
Safety
Concentrated hydrochloric acid and ammonia are corrosive and give off fumes easily. Carry out the
demonstration in a well-ventilated room and load the cotton wool plugs into the tube quickly.
Method
cotton wool with cotton wool with
ammonia solution hydrochloric acid
strip of blue
litmus

strip of red long glass tubing

litmus

Note: If litmus paper strip is not available, stages 1–4 below can be omitted. The red and blue indicator strips
run along opposite sides of the tube for the full length of the tube.

1 Push one end of the red litmus paper into a pen top and hold it in place with the pen.
2 Drop the pen with the litmus paper attached into the glass tube so that it is pulled through the entire
length of the tube. Repeat this with the blue litmus paper.
3 Using sticky tape, stick the ends of the litmus papers to the glass tube so that their positions are opposite
each other inside the tube.
4 Slant the tube and pass a few drops of distilled water from a wash bottle down the inner side of the tube to
wet the litmus papers.
5 Using sticky tape, stick small pieces of cotton wool to the inside end of two rubber bungs.
6 With teat pipettes, add a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid to the cotton wool on one of the
bungs and concentrated ammonia to the cotton wool on the other.
7 Quickly push the bungs into opposite ends of the tube ensuring that they are placed in position at the
same time.
8 Observe for 10–15 minutes.

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Questions
A1 Write a word equation for the reaction taking place that produces the smoke ring.
A2 What conclusions can you make about the rate of diffusion of the two gases?

Microscale diffusion experiment

This form of the diffusion experiment could be carried out by students if the equipment is available.
Apparatus and chemicals
ComboPlate® 2 syringes
2 propettes concentrated hydrochloric acid
2 short lengths of silicone tubing concentrated ammonia solution
2 type 1 lids cotton wool, 2 pieces
glass combustion tube

Safety
Wear eye protection. Concentrated hydrochloric acid and ammonia are corrosive and give off fumes easily.
Only small amounts are needed and carry out the experiment in a well-ventilated room.
Method
1 Set up the apparatus in the ComboPlate® as shown in the diagram.

2 Add 1–2 drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid to the cotton wool in well F6. Immediately replace
the lid.
3 Add 1–2 drops of concentrated ammonia solution to the cotton wool in well F1. Immediately replace
the lid.
4 Leave the apparatus for a while and observe what happens.
Results
Record your observations:

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Conclusions
Note:
The velocity of ammonia particles in a vacuum is 550 m/s.
The velocity of hydrogen chloride particles in a vacuum is 350 m/s.

A1 Explain the position of the ring of ammonium chloride.

A2 What is the word (or symbol) equation for the reaction taking place?

A3 Explain why the reaction does not occur more quickly and draw a diagram to illustrate your answer.

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Diffusion in liquids
This experiment demonstrates diffusion in a liquid. Diffusion is shown by the formation of a precipitate
where the ions meet.
Apparatus and chemicals
Petri dish
tweezers
white tile
lead nitrate, 1 crystal
potassium iodide, 1 crystal
distilled or deionised water
Safety
Lead nitrate is toxic and dangerous for the environment.
Method

Petri dish
1 crystal of
containing
lead nitrate
water

1 crystal of
potassium
iodide

1 Place a Petri dish on a white tile or piece of white paper. Fill it nearly to the top with deionised water.
2 Using tweezers, place a crystal of lead nitrate at one side of the Petri dish and a crystal of potassium iodide
at the other.
3 Observe as the crystals begin to dissolve and a new compound is formed between them.

Questions
A1 What is the product formed in this reaction?
A2 Write a word equation to show the reaction taking place here.
A3 What factors control where the solid forms in the Petri dish?
A4 Why does the solid not form in the middle of the dish?

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