Brownian Motion and Diffusion

Brownian Motion (Brownian Movement)

• Definition: The random motion of particles in a fluid (e.g., water) caused by collisions with molecules of the surrounding medium.
• Mechanism: Larger particles move randomly due to impacts from smaller molecules in the medium.

Factors Affecting Brownian Motion

• Temperature:
  • Increase in temperature: Molecules move faster, causing particles to move faster.
  • Decrease in temperature: Molecules move slower, causing particles to move slower.
• Viscosity of the Medium:
  • Higher viscosity (e.g., honey, tar): Larger molecules result in slower movement of particles.

Diffusion

• Definition: The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
• In a Narrow Tube: Particles are closer together, and predominant movement occurs along the length of the tube.

Measurement

• Software Package: MR Tricks will be used to measure diffusion.

Summary

• Brownian motion explains the random movement of particles in a medium.
• Factors like temperature and viscosity significantly impact the rate of Brownian motion.
• Diffusion is the result of these movements in confined environments such as narrow tubes.