Group 1

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Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration, to areas of low concentration. When the molecules are even throughout a space - it is called EQUILIBRIUM

We signed out 3 test tubes filled with hardened 5% gelatin solution from the laboratory stock room.

Fig. 1 Three test tubes with equal amounts of gelatin

Then simultaneously, we added 1 mL of each of the following reagents into separate tubes of gelatin:

Fig. 2 Potassium Permanganate

Fig. 3 Methalyne Blue

Fig. 4 Congo Red

Methylene Blue

KMnO4

Congo Red

Fig. 4 Diffusioin of KMnO4, Methylene Blue, and Congo Red in gelatin

We observed and recorded the time required for the stains to reach the bottom of each tube.

At 5 minute intervals for 1 hr, we recorded the distance travelled by each stain through the gelatiin

Time (min) KMnO4 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 18 mm 18 mm 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm 20 mm 21 mm 21 mm

Distance Travelled (cm) Methylene Blue 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm 17 mm 17 mm 17 mm Congo Red 23 mm 25 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm

Table 1 Distance Travelled by Potassium Permanganate, Methylene Blue, and Congo Red

Time (min) 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90

KMnO4 21 mm 17 mm 17 mm 17 mm 18 mm 19 mm 19 mm 19 mm 19 mm

Methylene Blue 17 mm 17 mm 17mm 17 mm 15 mm 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm 16 mm

Congo Red 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm 26 mm

Table 1.1 Distance Travelled by Potassium Permanganate, Methylene Blue, and Congo Red

Which reagent diffused the farthest?

As we have observed in the experiment, Congo Red is the reagent that diffused the farthest.
MW KMnO4: 158.03 g/mol MW Methylene Blue: 319.85 g/mol MW Congo Red: 696.66 g/mol

Small molecules will generally have less obstacles, thus moving faster than the larger molecules.

What primary factor determined the rates of diffusion of the 3 reagents?

The primary factor that determined the rates of diffusion is the size of the molecules of the substances. As mentioned earlier, the smaller the molecule, the faster it diffuses. The type of mixture is also a factor. Colloid is much compact than other solutions, that is why it is harder to diffuse substances in it.

How does diffusion in gelatin compare with diffusion in water? Gelatin is denser than water and it is a colloid which implicates that the diffusion in gelatin would be slower in gelatin than in water.

THANK YOU!

Bugay, Marian Louise Carino JC Hope Paredes, Jessica Elizabeth Marie Quero, Allysa Kaye Reyes, Clarissa Villafuerte, Hazel Aracelli