Diffusion of Bromine Vapor
Description: A small amount of bromine liquid is allowed to evaporate into air, and its rate of diffusion is followed by watching the color. A similar amount of bromine liquid is released into a long evacuated tube. Its rate of diffusion into enclosed volume is compared with the first observation.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 63
Keywords: Bromine, Diffusion, Evacuated tube, Molecular speeds, Kinetic-Molecular theory
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – inhalation
- Acute aquatic toxicity
- Serious eye damage
- Skin corrosion hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Low failure rate
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Concerted or time-dependent manipulations
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Use chemically resistant surface
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Na2S2O3 solution for neutralization on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Gas Laws, Kinetic Chemistry, Thermodynamics
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
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