The diffusion constant for water in air is 2.4 × 10⁻⁵ m²/s. What is the distance a water molecule can travel by diffusion in 10 min?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance traveled by diffusion can be estimated using the formula $d = \sqrt{2Dt}$, where $d$ is the distance, $D$ is the diffusion constant, and $t$ is the time. Given $D = 2.4 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{m}^2/\text{s}$ and $t = 10 \, \text{min} = 600 \, \text{s}$, we find $d = \sqrt{2 \times 2.4 \times 10^{-5} \times 600} \approx 0.17 \, \text{m}$ or 17 cm.

The Diffusion Constant for Water in Air Is 2