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How To Calculate Diffusion Time

Diffusion Time Equation:

\[ t = \frac{distance^2}{2D} \]

m
m²/s

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1. What is Diffusion Time?

Diffusion time (t) is the time required for particles to spread over a certain distance through random motion. It depends on the square of the distance and inversely on the diffusion coefficient.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the diffusion time equation:

\[ t = \frac{distance^2}{2D} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation shows that diffusion time increases with the square of the distance and decreases with higher diffusion coefficients.

3. Importance of Diffusion Time Calculation

Details: Calculating diffusion time is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science for understanding how quickly substances spread through different media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter distance in meters and diffusion coefficient in m²/s. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical diffusion coefficient value?
A: It varies widely - from ~10⁻⁹ m²/s for small molecules in water to ~10⁻¹⁵ m²/s in solid materials.

Q2: Why does distance appear squared in the equation?
A: This reflects the random walk nature of diffusion - the area covered grows with the square of the distance.

Q3: Does temperature affect diffusion time?
A: Yes, temperature affects the diffusion coefficient (D) - generally higher temperature increases D and decreases diffusion time.

Q4: Can this be used for 3D diffusion?
A: This is the basic 1D form. For 3D diffusion, the equation would include additional dimensional factors.

Q5: What are limitations of this calculation?
A: It assumes ideal conditions - uniform medium, no external forces, and non-interacting particles.

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