This calculator is designed for students and professionals in the field of life and earth sciences to calculate diffusion rates using Fick's Law, helping understand mass transfer processes.
Data Source and Methodology
All calculations are strictly based on Fick's First Law. For more information, refer to the ChemEnggCalc resource. All calculations are based strictly on the formulas and data provided by this source.
The Formula Explained
Fick's Law of Diffusion is expressed as J = -D (dc/dx), where J is the diffusion flux, D is the diffusion coefficient, and dc/dx is the concentration gradient.
Glossary of Variables
- Concentration Gradient (dc/dx)
- The change in concentration over a specified distance.
- Diffusion Coefficient (D)
- A measure of how quickly molecules diffuse through a medium.
- Diffusion Rate (J)
- The rate at which a substance diffuses across a unit area.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Consider a concentration gradient of 0.1 mol/m³ and a diffusion coefficient of 1.0e-9 m²/s. Using Fick's Law, the diffusion rate is calculated as:
J = -1.0e-9 * 0.1 = -1.0e-10 mol/(m²·s)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Fick's Law of Diffusion?
Fick's Law describes the flux of a species under the influence of a concentration gradient.
How do I use this calculator?
Input the concentration gradient and diffusion coefficient to calculate the diffusion rate.
What units should I use?
Use mol/m³ for concentration gradient and m²/s for diffusion coefficient.
Why is my diffusion rate negative?
The negative sign indicates the direction of flux is opposite to the gradient direction.
Can this be used for gases?
Yes, Fick's Law applies to diffusion in gases, liquids, and solids.