Which of the following statements best describes the process of effusion for nitrogen gas (N_2) from a gaseous phase?

• A. Nitrogen gas molecules mix with another gas through random molecular motion.
• B. Nitrogen gas molecules escape through a small hole into a vacuum without collisions.
• C. Nitrogen gas reacts with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides.
• D. Nitrogen gas condenses into a liquid when cooled below its boiling point.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of effusion: Effusion is the process by which gas molecules pass through a tiny hole from one container to another without collisions between the molecules near the hole.
2. Recognize that effusion involves gas molecules escaping through a small opening into a vacuum or a space with much lower pressure, ensuring minimal or no collisions during passage.
3. Differentiate effusion from diffusion: Diffusion involves the mixing of gases through random molecular motion, while effusion specifically refers to passage through a small hole.
4. Note that chemical reactions (such as nitrogen reacting with oxygen) and phase changes (like condensation) are unrelated to the physical process of effusion.
5. Conclude that the best description of effusion for nitrogen gas is that nitrogen molecules escape through a small hole into a vacuum without collisions.