Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Trending News

Promoted
.
. asked in Science & MathematicsAstronomy & Space · 1 decade ago

How can a microscopic filter seperate molecules by shape?

1 Answer

Relevance
  • Kerry Q
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Because molecules have a particular shape. For example:

    Octane has 8 carbons and 18 hydrogens, Methane has 1 carbon and 4 hydrogens.

    Which is bigger?

    A semipermiable membrane can distinguish between the two if it has picometer sized holes that only methane can fit through. Do you think Octane can fit through that same hole?

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.