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Molecular diffusion Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Molecular Diffusion: Principles and Applications

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Molecular Diffusion: Principles and Applications Study Guide

Fundamentals of Molecular Diffusion

The phenomenon of molecular diffusion is exclusively driven by external forces applied to the constituent particles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies molecular diffusion as being driven by the inherent thermal energy and random motion of particles, not solely by external forces.

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Diffusion is considered one of the fastest mechanisms for mass transport.

Answer: False

Explanation: Diffusion is characterized as a relatively slow mechanism for mass transport compared to other phenomena.

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In stagnant gases, molecular diffusion is the primary means of material transport.

Answer: True

Explanation: In quiescent fluids or across streamlines in laminar flow, molecular diffusion serves as the principal mechanism for material transport, describing movement driven by random molecular motion.

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Diffusion is exclusively a macroscopic phenomenon, unrelated to microscopic particle behavior.

Answer: False

Explanation: Diffusion is fundamentally rooted in the microscopic random motion of particles; its macroscopic manifestation is a direct consequence of these underlying molecular behaviors.

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Brownian motion describes the random movement of a large population of particles in a fluid.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brownian motion specifically describes the random movement of a single particle suspended in a fluid, resulting from collisions with the fluid's molecules. Collective diffusion involves a large population.

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The Landau-Lifshitz fluctuating hydrodynamics model attributes diffusion solely to stable particle arrangements.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Landau-Lifshitz fluctuating hydrodynamics model posits that diffusion arises from fluctuations across various scales, not solely from stable particle arrangements.

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What is the fundamental driving force behind molecular diffusion as defined in the source?

Answer: The inherent thermal energy and random motion of particles

Explanation: Molecular diffusion is fundamentally driven by the inherent thermal kinetic energy and resultant random motion of particles at temperatures above absolute zero.

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What is the primary macroscopic result of the molecular diffusion process?

Answer: Gradual mixing leading to uniform distribution

Explanation: The principal macroscopic outcome of molecular diffusion is the gradual homogenization of materials, culminating in a uniform distribution of molecules throughout the entire volume.

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How does the microscopic random motion of molecules lead to the macroscopic observation of diffusion?

Answer: The collective effect of random microscopic movements results in a smooth, systematic macroscopic flow from high to low concentration.

Explanation: The collective effect of random microscopic movements of molecules results in a smooth, systematic macroscopic flow from regions of high concentration to low concentration, which is the observable phenomenon of diffusion.

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In the classification of transport phenomena, molecular diffusion is primarily categorized as:

Answer: Mass transfer

Explanation: Within the domain of transport phenomena, molecular diffusion is classified as a primary mechanism of mass transport.

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What is the significance of diffusion being a relatively slow mass transport mechanism?

Answer: Processes relying on diffusion may require considerable time to reach completion.

Explanation: The relative slowness of diffusion as a mass transport mechanism implies that processes heavily dependent on it may require extended durations to achieve completion or equilibrium relative to those driven by more rapid mechanisms.

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The Landau-Lifshitz fluctuating hydrodynamics model describes diffusion as arising from:

Answer: Fluctuations across different scales.

Explanation: Within the Landau-Lifshitz fluctuating hydrodynamics framework, diffusion is conceptualized as arising from fluctuations occurring across various scales, from the microscopic molecular level to macroscopic phenomena.

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Which of the following concepts is listed in the 'See also' section as related to molecular diffusion?

Answer: Turbulent diffusion

Explanation: The 'See also' section lists numerous related concepts, including 'Turbulent diffusion,' indicating that molecular diffusion is part of a broader spectrum of mass transport phenomena.

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Factors Influencing Diffusion

An increase in fluid viscosity generally accelerates the rate of molecular diffusion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, an increase in fluid viscosity generally impedes molecular motion, thereby decelerating the rate of diffusion.

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Particle interactions within a solvent are always considered, regardless of whether they form an ideal mix.

Answer: False

Explanation: Particle interactions within a solvent need to be considered only when the system deviates from ideal mixing behavior; in an ideal mix, these interactions are effectively negligible.

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Attractive interactions between particles in a solution typically increase the diffusion coefficient as concentration rises.

Answer: False

Explanation: Attractive interactions between particles in a solution typically decrease the diffusion coefficient as concentration rises, due to increased hindrance.

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The self-diffusion coefficient of water at 4°C is higher than its coefficient at 25°C.

Answer: False

Explanation: The self-diffusion coefficient of water is lower at 4°C (1.261 x 10^-9 m²/s) compared to 25°C (2.299 x 10^-9 m²/s), as higher temperatures increase molecular kinetic energy and thus diffusion rates.

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Repulsive interactions between particles in a solution tend to decrease the diffusion coefficient as concentration increases.

Answer: False

Explanation: Repulsive interactions between particles in a solution tend to increase the diffusion coefficient as concentration increases, due to increased separation forces.

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Higher temperatures reduce the rate of molecular diffusion by decreasing particle kinetic energy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of particles, leading to more vigorous random motion and consequently accelerating the rate of molecular diffusion.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor influencing the rate of molecular diffusion?

Answer: The color of the particles

Explanation: Factors influencing diffusion rate include temperature, fluid viscosity, and particle characteristics like size and density. The color of the particles is not cited as a relevant factor.

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When do particle interactions become a significant consideration in collective diffusion?

Answer: Unless the particles form an ideal mix with the solvent.

Explanation: Particle interactions become a significant consideration in collective diffusion unless the particles form an ideal mix with their solvent, in which case their interactions are effectively negligible.

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In a non-ideal mix, what is the typical effect of attractive particle interactions on the diffusion coefficient as concentration increases?

Answer: The diffusion coefficient decreases.

Explanation: In non-ideal mixtures with attractive particle interactions, the diffusion coefficient typically decreases as particle concentration increases, due to increased hindrance.

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What potential phenomenon can occur with attractive particle interactions above a certain concentration threshold?

Answer: Coalescence of particles into clusters.

Explanation: Above a specific concentration threshold, attractive particle interactions can induce particle coalescence, leading to the formation of clusters, a phenomenon analogous to precipitation.

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Mathematical Description of Diffusion

Fick's laws constitute the foundational mathematical framework employed for the quantitative description of molecular diffusion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fick's laws of diffusion provide the essential mathematical equations used to model and predict the rate and extent of mass transport via diffusion.

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Fick's first law for gas A diffusing through gas B is N_A = D_AB * (dC_A/dx).

Answer: False

Explanation: Fick's first law for diffusion, specifically for gas A diffusing through gas B without bulk flow, is correctly stated as N_A = -D_AB * (dC_A/dx), incorporating a negative sign to indicate diffusion from high to low concentration.

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The diffusivity (D_AB) in Fick's law for gases is independent of temperature and pressure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The diffusivity coefficient (D_AB) for gases is not independent of temperature and pressure; it is directly influenced by these thermodynamic variables, typically increasing with temperature and decreasing with pressure.

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The Wiktionary link associated with diffusion provides detailed mathematical derivations of Fick's laws.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Wiktionary link is a reference to an external dictionary resource and does not contain the detailed mathematical derivations of Fick's laws themselves, which are typically found in scientific literature or textbooks.

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Which set of mathematical laws is commonly used to describe molecular diffusion?

Answer: Fick's laws

Explanation: Fick's laws constitute the fundamental mathematical framework employed for the quantitative description of molecular diffusion.

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In Fick's first law for gas diffusion (N_A = -D_AB * (dC_A/dx)), what does D_AB represent?

Answer: The diffusivity of gas A in gas B.

Explanation: In Fick's first law, D_AB represents the diffusivity of component A in component B, quantifying the rate at which A diffuses through B under a given concentration gradient.

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The term 'diffusivity' (D_AB) for gases is dependent on:

Answer: Temperature and pressure.

Explanation: The diffusivity (D_AB) for gases is dependent on thermodynamic variables, specifically temperature and pressure, which influence the kinetic energy and collision frequency of the gas molecules.

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How can Fick's law be expressed in terms of partial pressure gradients for gas diffusion?

Answer: N_A = -(D_AB / RT) * (dP_A/dx)

Explanation: For ideal gases, Fick's first law can be expressed in terms of partial pressure gradients as N_A = -(D_AB / RT) * (dP_A/dx), relating the molar flux to the partial pressure gradient, temperature, and the gas constant.

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Types and Specific Cases of Diffusion

Osmosis is the diffusion of solute molecules across a semipermeable membrane.

Answer: False

Explanation: Osmosis is specifically defined as the diffusion of solvent molecules (such as water) across a semipermeable membrane, driven by differences in solute concentration, not the diffusion of solute molecules themselves.

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Tracer diffusion occurs when there is a significant concentration gradient.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tracer diffusion, or self-diffusion, occurs in the absence of a concentration gradient. It describes the random movement of particles even when their overall distribution is uniform.

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Self-diffusion and tracer diffusion are generally considered equivalent if kinetic isotope effects are minimal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Self-diffusion and tracer diffusion are generally considered equivalent phenomena, provided that kinetic isotope effects are negligible, ensuring comparable mobility for labeled and unlabeled molecules.

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Equimolecular counterdiffusion involves two gases moving in the same direction at equal rates.

Answer: False

Explanation: Equimolecular counterdiffusion, by definition, involves two gases diffusing in opposite directions at equal molar rates, resulting in no net bulk flow of the mixture.

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For ideal gases without bulk flow, the partial pressure gradient of gas A is equal in magnitude and sign to that of gas B.

Answer: False

Explanation: For ideal gases in equimolecular counterdiffusion without bulk flow, the partial pressure gradient of gas A is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to that of gas B (dP_A/dx = -dP_B/dx), reflecting their counter-directional movement.

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The specific term for the diffusion of solvents, like water, across a semipermeable membrane is:

Answer: Osmosis

Explanation: The diffusion of solvent molecules across a semipermeable membrane is termed osmosis, a process driven by differences in solute concentration across the membrane.

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What is the key difference between chemical diffusion and tracer diffusion?

Answer: Chemical diffusion requires a concentration gradient; tracer diffusion does not.

Explanation: The primary distinction lies in the driving force: chemical diffusion is driven by a concentration or chemical potential gradient, leading to net mass transport, whereas tracer diffusion occurs in the absence of such gradients and tracks the random motion of particles.

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What defines equimolecular counterdiffusion?

Answer: Two gases diffusing in opposite directions at equal rates.

Explanation: Equimolecular counterdiffusion is defined by the condition where two distinct species diffuse in opposite directions at precisely equal molar rates, resulting in zero net flux for the mixture.

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In the context of equimolecular counterdiffusion of ideal gases, what is the relationship between D_AB and D_BA?

Answer: D_AB = D_BA.

Explanation: For ideal gases undergoing equimolecular counterdiffusion, the diffusion coefficients are equal: D_AB = D_BA. This signifies that the mobility of A in B is the same as B in A under these conditions.

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Thermodynamics and Equilibrium in Diffusion

In the context of diffusion, the state of dynamic equilibrium signifies a complete cessation of all molecular movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dynamic equilibrium in diffusion does not imply a halt in molecular movement; rather, it signifies a state where the net flux has ceased due to uniform distribution, although random molecular motion continues.

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Chemical diffusion is a process that leads to a decrease in the system's entropy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chemical diffusion is a spontaneous, irreversible process that increases the entropy of the system, moving it towards a state of greater disorder and equilibrium.

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Chemical diffusion is a process that drives a system towards a state of lower entropy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chemical diffusion is a spontaneous, irreversible process that increases the entropy of the system, moving it towards a state of greater disorder and equilibrium.

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Diffusion is fundamentally a reversible process, meaning mixed substances can easily unmix spontaneously.

Answer: False

Explanation: Diffusion is fundamentally an irreversible process. While substances mix spontaneously, they do not spontaneously unmix or revert to their original concentrated states without external intervention or changes to the system's conditions.

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Chemical potential drives particles from regions of lower concentration to regions of higher concentration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chemical potential acts as a driving force for diffusion, directing particles from regions of higher chemical potential to regions of lower chemical potential, which generally corresponds to movement from higher to lower concentration.

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What does 'dynamic equilibrium' refer to in the context of diffusion?

Answer: A uniform distribution where net diffusion has ceased, but random motion continues.

Explanation: Dynamic equilibrium in diffusion denotes the state achieved when molecular diffusion has resulted in a uniform distribution of particles throughout the system. At this point, the net flux of particles ceases, although individual molecules continue their random thermal motion.

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If two systems are at the same temperature but have different chemical potentials (μ1 > μ2), energy flows from:

Answer: S1 to S2, seeking lower potential.

Explanation: When two systems are at the same temperature but exhibit differing chemical potentials (e.g., μ1 > μ2), a net flow of energy will transpire from the system with higher chemical potential (S1) to the system with lower chemical potential (S2), driven by the tendency towards equilibrium.

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How does chemical diffusion relate to entropy and equilibrium?

Answer: It is a non-equilibrium process that increases entropy.

Explanation: Chemical diffusion is a non-equilibrium process that inherently increases the system's entropy, driving it towards a state of greater disorder and thermodynamic equilibrium.

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What is the primary implication of diffusion being an irreversible process?

Answer: Mixed substances will not spontaneously unmix without external influence.

Explanation: The irreversibility of diffusion implies that once substances have mixed spontaneously, they will not spontaneously unmix or revert to their original separated states without the application of external energy or work.

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How does chemical potential influence diffusion?

Answer: It acts as a driving force, directing particles from higher to lower potential.

Explanation: Chemical potential functions as the fundamental driving force for diffusion, directing the net movement of particles from regions of higher chemical potential to regions of lower chemical potential, thereby promoting system equilibration.

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Applications and Measurement Techniques

In mammalian lungs, carbon dioxide diffuses from the alveoli into the blood.

Answer: False

Explanation: In mammalian lungs, the diffusion of gases occurs in the opposite direction for carbon dioxide; it diffuses from the blood into the alveoli, while oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood.

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Pulsed field gradient NMR is a technique used to measure chemical diffusion coefficients.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pulsed field gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PFG NMR) is a technique primarily employed for measuring self-diffusion coefficients, not chemical diffusion coefficients, as it tracks the random motion of molecules without requiring isotopic tracers.

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Sintering is cited as an industrial process where diffusion is fundamentally important.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sintering, a process used in powder metallurgy and ceramics manufacturing, fundamentally relies on diffusion to consolidate particles into a solid mass.

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Which of the following is an example of an industrial application where diffusion is fundamental?

Answer: Doping of semiconductors

Explanation: The doping of semiconductors is a critical industrial process that relies fundamentally on diffusion to introduce impurities into the semiconductor lattice, altering its electrical properties.

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Regarding gas exchange in mammalian lungs, oxygen diffusion occurs:

Answer: From the alveoli into the blood.

Explanation: Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood in the pulmonary capillaries, driven by a higher partial pressure of oxygen in the alveolar air compared to the deoxygenated blood.

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Which technique is mentioned for measuring self-diffusion coefficients without needing isotopic tracers?

Answer: Pulsed Field Gradient NMR

Explanation: Pulsed Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (PFG NMR) is highlighted as a technique capable of measuring self-diffusion coefficients without the requirement of isotopic tracers.

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According to the source, the self-diffusion coefficient of neat water at 25°C is approximately:

Answer: 2.299 x 10^-9 m²/s

Explanation: The source provides an experimentally determined value for the self-diffusion coefficient of neat water at 25°C as 2.299 x 10^-9 m²/s.

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